Cabinet body asks Punjab govt not to establish Ramazan bazaars

In the wake of the coronavirus, the cabinet committee of Punjab has recommended the Punjab government not to establish Ramadan bazaars in the province.

The meeting was here on Wednesday under the chair of Punjab Food Minister Abdul Aleem Khan. It further recommended that daily goods should not be sold through trucks and sale points, but steps should be taken to provide direct relief to the citizens in shape of cash.

"Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar will give his final approval on April 16," the minister said while addressing the meeting. He further said that masses would be given relief in the shape of cash at district level across Punjab, but its procedure will be finalized by the chief minister.

Punjab Law Minister Punjab Raja Muhammad Basharat, Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakhat and Punjab Industries Minister Mian Aslam, the Senior Member Board of Revenue, and provincial secretaries of agriculture, Industries, livestock and food departments were present in the meeting.

According to the food minister, direct relief would be given to the citizens without putting anyone at risk. The Ramadan Package will benefit about 2 million families of Punjab. Recommendations of the cabinet committee would be presented to the chief minister and once it is given the green signal district administrations and other government institutions will distribute the cash among the deserving citizens. The Federal and Punjab governments were already providing financial support to the citizens and this Ramadan Package would be additional support to the people; it will be ensured that those families are reached who have not received any financial assistance.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said they have to take special steps to minimize the problems of a common man, especially in Ramadan.

On the occasion, the meeting was told that the deputy commissioners of 30 districts have also voted in favour of not setting up Ramadan bazaars, since the district administrations are already under considerable pressure due to wheat procurement and corona activities.