Security and relief: Preparations underway ahead of Ramazan

District administrations told to install surveillance cameras at sensitive locations

BAHAWALPUR: A subsidy grant of Rs5 billion has been announced for items to be sold at Ramazan Bazaars in the province, Minister for Cooperatives Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar said at a meeting on Thursday. “The provincial government has approved the Ramazan Package and essential items will be sold at Ramazan Bazaars and other fair-price shops between 9am and 6pm from June 3.”

The minister said 330 Ramazan Bazaars will be set up in the province.

He said Rs250 million has been allocated for the establishment of Agricultural Fair-Price Shops.

The government has also made plans to serve thousands of financially distressed people free iftar and sehri at 2,000 Madni Dastarkhawans in the district. He said the government was taking these steps to provide the masses relief and exceptional facilities during the month of Ramazan.

He said 2,000 price control magistrates will observe their duties during the month. “These magistrates will keep a strict check on hoarders and traders trying to overcharge people and make a quick buck.”

The minister further said that the government was planning to establish 25 model bazaars in the province.

He said subsidy would be provided on 19 food items for the month of Ramazan. These include: 10kg green flour bag to be sold for Rs290, 10kg orange flour bag to be sold for Rs310 and 20kg orange flour bag to be sold for Rs620. He said 20,000 metric tonnes of sugar will be available for sale at Ramazan Bazaars. “All items will be sold at Rs10 less than the market rate,” the minister said.

He said Utility Stores stalls will be set up at Ramazan Bazaars. “Arrangements to provide foolproof security during Ramazan are complete.

Surveillance measures

Channar said arrangements have been made to provide fool-proof security during Ramazan. “The safety and protection of people is a top priority and the Police Department has chalked out a plan in this regard.” He said strict security arrangements have been made at Ramazan Bazaars as well.

In view of providing security during Ramazan, the provincial government has issued directives to district administrations to install surveillance cameras at locations they deem sensitive, he said. DCOs have been told to oversee that this directive is carried out as soon as possible.

They have also been told to allocate funds for the purpose. Cameras will be installed at entrances of cities so that all vehicles entering a city could be checked. In the first phase of the project, 8,000 surveillance cameras will be installed in the province. DCOs have been told to furnish reports in this regard without delay.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2016.