The Uttar Pradesh government will sell essential food items like sugar and potato at lower rates through the State Karamchari Nigam outlets and mobile vans in Lucknow, to provide some relief to consumers stalked by soaring food prices.
    
Potato, onion, sugar and pulses, which are being sold at a higher rate in the open market because of middlemen would now be available at the outlet of UP state Karamchari Kalyan Nigam from 12 pm to 8 am, principal secretary food Jacob Thomas here told newspersons.
    
These goods, at controlled prices, would also be available at two mobile vans, which would move about in different parts of the city, the official said, adding that the route schedule of these vans has been worked out.
    
A decision to increase the number of vans and counters as also the number of commodities might be taken in the future on the response of the consumers, the official added.