Utility Stores Corporation (USC) Managing Director Brigadier Hafeez Ahmed (Retd) has said the Ramazan package would be implemented from September 10 to enable the people to buy essential items few days prior to commencing of the holy month. Talking to PTV, he said the main items in relief package include pulses, oil, ghee, gram flour, dates, pickles, etc.
These items would be available to people at reduced price of around 15 percent, he said, adding the USC will ensure availability of these items at all stores countrywide. He said last year there were 600 stores in the country to cater to consumers' need but this year the number has been enhanced to 2600 while 900 more would be set up prior to start of Ramazan.
The USC chief said some non-food items such as soaps, detergent, toothpaste, etc have also been included in the relief package. He said gram flour is a high demand item during Ramazan and the USC has arranged its own production to ensure its continued supply and standard. The consumers will get the commodity at Rs 40 per kg from the Utility Stores, while in market its price is expected to remain around Rs 60 per kg, he added.
To a question, Hafeez Ahmed said the administration remains in informal contact with the white collar and well-reputed community members in various areas to have reliable feedback on the performance of the Utility Stores. He said quality checking is a regular practice wherein randomly selected samples of various items are picked up as sample from Stores and entire consignment is sent back to the supplier if it lacks quality.