Subsidy on edibles: Govt to provide Ramazan package worth billions, says CM

Shahbaz Sharif says Rs5 billion subsidy will be provided on flour.

LAHORE: The government is implementing an agenda of public service, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Monday.

He was talking to a delegation of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) office bearers.

“We are taking comprehensive measures for the welfare of the people. The government has given a special package costing billions of rupees for providing relief to the people during Ramazan. A subsidy of Rs5 billion will be given on flour during the holy month. Sasta atta will be available in Ramazan Bazaars and in the open market. Sugar, ghee, chicken and eggs will also be available at lower rates in Ramazan Bazaars,” he said.

The CM said that basic commodities would be available to people at affordable rates in Ramazan Bazaars. “Fair price shops will also be established in Ramazan Bazaars where fruits, dates, vegetables and pulses will be available for less,” he said.

The chief minister said that during Ramazan, profiteers can cause problems. “I will personally monitor implementation of the Ramazan Relief Package to protect consumers from hoarders and profiteers,” the CM said.

The chief minister said that the interest of the citizens was dear to him. “No one will be allowed to exploit the people. All aspects of the Ramazan Package will be reviewed regularly. Action will be taken against hoarders and profiteers. They will not be allowed to create an artificial shortage of commodities,” he said.

Shahbaz Sharif said that an effective mechanism had been evolved for the provision of quality vegetables and fruits. “Provision of quality essential items to the citizens at fixed rates is the responsibility of government departments. No negligence will be tolerated in this regard. No compromise will be made on quality of essential commodities,” the chief minister said.

He said that prices of essential items would be closely monitored in Ramazan. The chief minister said that departments concerned would have to work hard to ensure implementation of the mechanism evolved for stabilising prices during Ramazan. “Every step possible will be taken for facilitating consumers in Ramazan Bazaars,” he said.

The chief minister urged PML-N office bearers to play their role in ensuring that benefits of the Ramazan Package reached the people.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2016.