USC network to be strengthened: minister

Senior Federal Minister for Industries, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said that the network of Utility Stores Corporation would further be strengthened, besides improving its performance for the relief of people across the country. He was presiding over a meeting regarding the performance and activities of USC here.
Elahi said USC would be operated on modern lines and reforms in the organisation in this connection would also be initiated for ensuring transparency and accountability and provision of quality edible items to the people on cheaper rates for their relief.He said that to achieve this objective, the operations of USC would be linked with one central computerised system to monitor the demand and supply and prices situation of different commodities of warehouse and stores of the corporation. This initiative, he said, would help check corruption and corrupt practices including black-marketing and ensure timely provision of edible items to the people on subsidised rates for their relief. He said that computerisation is the solution to these problems and government would ensure that this system should be put in place for the welfare of the people. He expressed hope such initiatives would help developed the corporation at world standard.
Elahi said that expansion of USC would be started soon with focus on encouraging people to set up franchise stores even in the remote parts of the country for the relief of common man. He also urged the administration of the USC to take steps for reducing further prices of the various items in the stores across the country with special focus on their quality.
He suggested them to purchase commodities in its peak seasons and on reduced prices so that its benefit could be passed on to the people. He also directed them that for the security of USC warehouses, CCVT should be installed. He also directed to improve the vigilance and auditing system of USC.
Earlier, Managing Director of USC, General Malik Muhammad Farooq Khan (Retd) briefed the minister about the steps taken and priorities of the corporation for the relief of the people across the country. He added that mega stores would also be established across the country for provision of items to the people on cheaper rates. Secretary Industries also attended the meeting.