Punjab Chief Minister, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, has announced provision of 10 million atta bags from December 1, to benefit hundred of thousands of poor, deserving, orphans and widows in the province. While presiding over a high-level meeting held in connection with provision of 'sasta atta' to the poor families here on Thursday Pervaiz said the government would give subsidy of Rs 250 million on 'sasta atta' scheme.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Food Minister, Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal, Minister Law and Local Government, Muhammad Basharat Raja, Chief Secretary, Kamran Rasool, Secretary Food, Shahid Raja, Director Food, Jawad Rafique Malik and other senior officers.
Pervaiz maintained that under 'sasta atta' scheme 10 million flour bags of 10-kg at the rate of Rs 90 per bag would be distributed amongst poor and down-trodden segments of society in a transparent manner and this process would continue till April next.
He stated that district governments, ministers, members of assemblies and food department would ensure provision of atta to the deserving people in all districts. He further said during first phase of 'sasta atta' scheme from January 2004 to April, 2004, around 1.7 million atta bags had been provided to the poor people.
He directed that wheat quota to the flour mills should be increased from 13,000 ton to 15,000 tonnes daily for ensuring sufficient quantity of atta for the people. He said the provision of additional wheat to flour mills would result in maintaining prices of atta for the convenience of general public.
He also directed the food department to evolve a foolproof system for controlling prices of essential food items in the province. He further directed to take strict action against illegal profiteers and hoarders in the province.