Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has given final approval to the Ramazan Package of five billion rupees for the provision of flour and other essential items to the masses at concessionary rate during the holy month of Ramzan. He was presiding over a high level meeting which reviewed in detail the Ramzan Package. The Chief Minister said that 346 Ramzan Bazaars will be set up throughout the province during Ramzan ul Mabarak.
He said 10 kg flour bag will be available in Ramzan bazaars for Rs 310 while it will be sold in the open market at Rs 330. Similarly, 20 kg flour bag will be available at Rs 660 in the open market. He said 346 agriculture fair price shops will also be established in Ramzan bazaars where fruit and vegetables will be available at cheaper rates. He said sugar, ghee, eggs and chicken meat will be provided to the citizens in Ramzan bazaars at concessionary rates while arrangements have also been made for setting up 2,000 Madni Dastarkhawan in the province. He said Punjab government is giving a subsidy of five billion rupees for Ramzan Package and it should be ensured that the common man should directly benefit from it.
Shahbaz Sharif directed that provision of essential items, vegetables and fruit at concessionary rates should be ensured to the citizens while no compromise should be made on the quality and availability of essential commodities. He said price lists should be displayed prominently in Ramzan bazaars while the best arrangements should be made for cleanliness and parking in Ramzan bazaars. He said due attention should also be paid to the checking of weight and measures. He said special stalls of utility stores will also be established in Ramzan bazaars. He said that no fee will be charged from the stall owners of Model Bazaars during Ramzan ul Mubarak.
The Chief Minister directed that provincial ministers and secretaries should personally visit Ramzan bazaars and monitor prices and quality of essential commodities and submit a report on daily basis. He said elected representatives and administration implementing Ramzan Package in an effective manner will be fully encouraged.
The Chief Minister expressed extreme displeasure over increase in prices of some vegetables and fruits and issued instructions to the concerned departments and institutions to take effective measures for withdrawal of this increase in the prices of daily use items before Ramzan ul Mubarak. He said he wants results and no excuse will be accepted. Shahbaz Sharif also directed that tough decisions should be taken to ensure smooth supply of essential items to the citizens at reasonable rates and indiscriminate action should be taken against the elements involved in hoarding and profiteering. He said the elements exploiting the common man should be put behind the bars. He further directed Cabinet Committee on Price Control to take strict measures to withdraw increase in the prices of some articles of daily use. The Chief Minister was informed during a briefing on Ramzan Package that the colour of 10 kg flour bag to be sold in Ramzan bazaars will be green while 10 kg and 20 kg flour bags to be supplied in the open market will be of orange colour. He said that a digital monitoring system has also been evolved for addressing the complaints of citizens pertaining to Ramzan bazaars. People can also lodge their complaints at toll free number 0800-02345. Provincial Ministers Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Muhammad Shafique, Members National and Provincial Assembly, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, concerned secretaries and senior officers of different departments attended the meeting.
Comments
Comments are closed.