DCs directed to monitor prices of commodities

Punjab CS says aim of visit is to review implementation of govt’s policies

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar directed deputy commissioners to ensure the best arrangements at Ramazan bazaars and to keep a strict check on the prices of daily use commodities in open markets.

He expressed these views while visiting Faisalabad on Tuesday where he reviewed administrative affairs and implementation of government policies. He also issued special directions regarding price control, Ramazan bazaars, the wheat procurement drive and the ‘Clean and Green’ campaign.

Speaking at a meeting at the Commissioner’s office in Faisalabad, the chief secretary said that the aim of the visit was to review implementation of the government’s policies. He stated that price control magistrates should be deputed and that the Ramazan bazaars should be beneficial for citizens in the true sense.

He stated that providing the people with clean drinking water is the government’s top priority and directed authorities to devise a comprehensive plan for this purpose.

The chief secretary also reviewed the performance of relevant departments against polio and dengue. Issuing instructions about the ‘Clean and Green’ campaign, he said that effective measures should be taken to protect saplings that have been planted. He stressed that special attention should be paid regarding cleanliness in cities and improvements in this regard should be clearly visible.

He remarked that the waste treatment project of the Water and Sanitation Agency Faisalabad is important in protecting the environment and this model will be replicated in other cities across the province. He directed that the scope of the mechanical sanitation system and welfare projects such as shelter homes should be expanded.

Commissioner reviews arrangements

Sargodha Division Commissioner Zafar Iqbal directed district administrations and price control magistrates to maintain a check and balance on the prices of edibles during Ramazan.

Chairing a meeting on Tuesday reviewing Ramazan arrangements across the division, he directed officials concerned to ensure a better supply and demand mechanism and also take notice of profiteering, adulteration and storage arrangements.

He said that there should be a clear difference between the rates of commodities available at markets and those at bazaars. He added that strict action will be taken against those found violating the government’s instructions.

Deputy commissioners from Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Bhakkar were present during the meeting as well as officials from the agriculture department, food department and market committees. During the meeting, it was revealed that the ghee mills association had announced that the prices of cooking oil and desi ghee will be reduced by Rs10 to Rs20.

It was also said that the rates of other edibles should be lesser than that in open markets. It was added that subsidies would be provided at shops run by the agriculture department on seven items including tomatoes, onions, dates, lentils, grams, rice and lemons.

Further, the sale of 12 items will also be ensured at wholesale rates. Sargodha Deputy Commissioner Salwat Saeed stated that a subsidy of Rs40 million will be given on edibles, adding that a meeting has also been held with stakeholders to maintain supply and demand at reasonable rates.

A total of 13 Ramazan Bazaars will be set up across the district from May 6 while 24 price control magistrates will be deputed to monitor these markets, she maintained.

She added that during the past nine months, fines worth Rs17 million were imposed on those found guilty of overcharging consumers. Fines worth Rs1.49 million were imposed during the month of April while six people were arrested, she said.

The Khushab deputy commissioner said that a total of 951 raids were conducted in the district and fines of Rs256,500 were imposed while one FIR was registered. He added that seven special bazaars will be set up in the district and 15 magistrates will be on duty.

Meanwhile, 1,393 raids were conducted in Mianwali district and fines of Rs 376,000 were imposed while 10 FIRs were registered against people guilty of overcharging consumers. A total of seven bazaars will be set up and 34 magistrates had been nominated for this purpose, he added. In Bhakkar district, a total of nine bazaars will be set up during Ramazan and 19 magistrates will be deputed, he added.

*additional input from APP

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2019.