The Punjab government has decided to set up farmer markets at tehsil level and start home delivery system in five big cities to ensure availability of eatables at fixed prices in the province.
Presiding over a meeting to review steps to control prices on Friday, the Chief Secretary Punjab Yousaf Naseem Khokhar said that initially home delivery system would be launched in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan as a pilot project.
He mentioned that Qeemat Punjab App had been developed to monitor prices and effectively address complaints of consumers, adding that facility of online purchase of commodities at fixed rates would now also be provided through this app. He asked the officers to enhance awareness among people to fully benefit from Qeemat Punjab App.
The Chief Secretary stated that from next week farmer markets would start working in 30 fruit and vegetable markets in different districts where farmers would directly sell vegetables, fruits and similar commodities without involvement of a middle man. Later, two such farmer markets would be established at Tehsil level in every district, he maintained. He said that profiteering would not be tolerated in any case, adding that it is top priority of the government to provide relief to the common man and no compromise can be made on this important matter. He directed that stern action be taken against profiteers, hoarders and those creating artificial dearness. He asked the officers to keep a strict check on wholesalers rather than shopkeepers because it would help stabilize prices.
He said that sale of eatables, especially wheat flour, sugar, ghee and Roti, would be ensured at the prices fixed by the government and for this purpose price magistrates and market committees be made 'more active'. He directed that administrative officers must oversee the auction process in fruit and vegetable markets in districts, besides keeping a check on demand and supply of commodities, which is a key factor in controlling prices.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019
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