Subsidy: Rs5 billion Ramazan Package approved, says minister

2,000 price control magistrates will be deputed in markets

LAHORE: Food Minister Bilal Yasin said on Sunday that the government had formally approved the Rs5 billion Ramazan Package.

“Under this package, edible items will be provided to the people at affordable rates with a subsidy of Rs5 billion during the holy month of Ramazan,” he said.

Yasin said that Ramazan Bazaars would be operational from June 3. “As many as 330 Ramazan Bazaars will be set up at district and tehsil level throughout the province. Daily used items will be available to the people from 9am to 6pm in these bazaars,” he said.

The minister said that Rs250 million had been allocated for setting up of agriculture fair price shops during Ramazan. “A total of 2,000 Madni Dastarkhawans will also be set up for deserving persons. Around 2,000 price control magistrates will perform their duties during Ramazan,” he said.

Yasin said that the government would also set up 25 model bazaars. “During Ramazan, subsidy will be given on 19 edible items,” he said. He said that a 10kg flour bag would be available for Rs290 and a 20kg flour bag for Rs620 at the Ramazan Bazaars. “A total of 20,000 metric tonnes of sugar will be supplied to the Ramazan Bazaars. Its price will be Rs10 per kg less than the market rate. Similarly, a Rs10 per kg subsidy will be given on ghee and chicken. Rs5 per dozen subsidy will be provided on eggs. Pulses will also be available at subsided rates,” the minister said.

 

He said that the items on subsided rates would also be available at the utility stores. “Foolproof security measures will be taken for the Ramazan Bazaars. Police personnel will be deputed at the bazaars,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2016.