CHENNAI: A fair-price shop saleswoman in Maduravoyal was suspended for allegedly selling substandard onions, following the State government's initiative to sell the commodity through ration shops at Rs 35 a kg amid rising open-market prices.

According to an official order dated October 12, Monday, issued by the Kancheepuram district cooperative department, saleswoman K Yuvarani was suspended over the alleged sale of onions that did not meet the prescribed quality standards.

The order stated that a separate charge memorandum would be issued to the employee on the alleged lapse.

The government has introduced onion sales through fair price shops to provide relief to consumers as prices rise in the open market. The initiative aims to make the essential kitchen staple available at a more affordable rate.