The federal government is spending Rs 3 billion annually towards purchase of wheat for the people of Northern Areas so as to provide them with wheat at subsidised rates at their door steps including Rs 600 million for its transportation.
The Director, Civil Supplies Northern Areas, Muneer-ud-din disclosed this in s press conference on Friday. The Chairman, District Council, Skardu, Raja Jalal and Chairman, Municipal Committee, Skardu, Ahmad Ali were also present on the occasion.
He said that the decision was taken in view of population growth that forced the Food Department to recommend for enhancement of wheat quota for the people of Northern Areas from Rs 10 lakh tonnes to 15 lakh tonnes per annum.
The summary was already been sent to the high ups for approval. He assured that there would be no shortage of wheat in Skardu and effective steps were being taken in this regard.
He said that he received several complaints against the mill owners and asked the Skardu administration to take remedial steps to stop the wrong doings of flourmills in the area. He also assured that at least 30,000 bags of wheat would be sent to Skardu Bulk Depot by the end of July. Muneer-ud-din also said that Natco has been asked to transport all the wheat from Rawalpindi to all the depots of Northern Areas.
On this occasion, the Assistant Commissioner, Skardu, Asad Aamin assured the people that he would conduct surprise visits to the depots and Bulk depot of Skardu as well as the flourmills in Skardu to ensure smooth supply of wheat in the district especially in Skardu Town. Further, he said that strict action would be taken against the defaulters and no negligence would be tolerated in any case.
The Director, Civil Supplies also announced that the Civil Supply Officer Skardu on daily basis will record the statement of wheat supply from Rawalpindi and stored wheat in Skardu Bulk Depot would present it to the Assistant Commissioner Skardu.