PM Imran for study of subsidy system

Wants benefits extended to deserving people in transparent manner

ISLAMABAD:

The provision of subsidies by the government is aimed at extending support and relief to the poor and deserving segments of society, said Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Chairing a meeting of the finance and economy think tank to discuss various economic issues on Monday, he gave directives to the participants to carry out a comprehensive study encompassing different sectors to extend maximum possible support to the poor and deserving people.

According to a statement issued by the PM Office media wing, the purpose of the think tank was to consider important economic issues, come up with recommendations and formulate a future strategy.

PM Imran stressed that a comprehensive study of the entire subsidy system should be carried out to ensure that benefits were extended to the deserving people in a transparent manner besides catering to needs of the maximum number of people.

For further improvement in the provision of subsidy in each sector, the prime minister directed Finance Adviser Abdul Hafeez Shaikh to conduct a complete review of the subsidies given by the government and establish a cell that would submit comprehensive recommendations.

During the meeting, issues related to utility stores, power, gas, fertilisers, exports and housing were discussed in a comprehensive manner. Views were also exchanged on the Ehsaas programme and the budget of National Highway Authority.

PM Imran emphasised the need for utilising the Ehsaas cash programme database for the provision of subsidies to the poor segment on power, gas and utility needs.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 21^st, 2020.

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