Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has agreed to provide sugar at the rate of Rs54 per kilogram in Ramazan bazaars. This was disclosed in a meeting of Cabinet Committee for Price Control presided over by Punjab Minister for Industries and Trade, Mian Aslam Iqbal. The meeting reviewed various proposals to give final shape to the Ramazan Package 2019 here on Saturday.
The meeting decided to establish additional Ramazan bazaars in the province for provision of relief to the commoners while utility stores will also be used for this purpose. It was also briefed that 19 items will be available at subsidized rate at fair price shops set up in Ramazan bazaars. A proposal to provide bag hampers at the door step of the houses of poor families was also reviewed.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the purpose of establishing Ramazan bazaars is to provide relief to the poor and commoners. Ramazan Package is being finalized in consultation with poultry association, flour mills association, sugar mills association and other trader organizations which remained useful. No compromise will be made on the quality and weight of the items provided in the Ramazan bazaars, he added.
The minister said targeted subsidy will be given so that the deprived people can benefit of it. He directed to improve the system of market committees and make them fully functional. He said such a mechanism will be evolved for provision of wheat to flour mills that could benefit only common men. There is no issue of availability of wheat and sugar; therefore, no one will be allowed to create artificial shortage, he maintained.
Mian Aslam Iqbal directed to finalize the payment schedule of sugarcane growers with the remaining sugar mills and Kisan Ittehad.