Punjab Industry and Trade Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal on Wednesday warned that action will be taken against those creating artificial price-hike and illegal profiteers; no compromise will be made in this regard. He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting of Cabinet Committee for Price Control, held here to review prices and availability of essential items in Ramazan bazaars and implementation on Ramazan Package 2019.
The meeting expressed its satisfaction over the availability, standard and prices of daily use commodities in Ramazan bazaars. It decided to eliminate the condition of showing identity card for purchasing sugar.
While addressing the meeting, the Minister said that rush of people in 309 Ramazan bazaars are proof that they are getting relief. "Subsidy of billion of rupees is being given by the government for providing essential items at reasonable rates at Ramazan bazaars. Edibles are being sold in Ramazan bazaars according to the prices of 2018," he added.
He directed the concern officials to keep a vigilant eye on the demand and supply of essential items in open markets as well as Ramazan bazaars. "The Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners should monitor the procedure of auction by visiting markets," he added.
He said that price control mechanism should strictly be implemented. Punjab Industry and Trade Secretary, Tahir Khursheed briefed the meeting that 16,307 inspections were carried out and 3,779 cases of overcharging were registered, Rs6.3 million worth fine was imposed, 268 cases were registered and 158 people were arrested.