Editorial

Utility Stores losses

The first step should be to conduct a holistic research into finding out the core reason behind such losses

September 13, 2021

With many of its outlets across the country running in losses, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has jacked up the prices of many items. Various brands of ghee and cooking oil have become dearer by Rs90 and Rs70 per 5kg respectively. Moreover, the prices of spices, tomato ketchup, custard, pudding as well as soap and tissue paper have also gone up with immediate effect.

During the previous tenure — led by the PML-N — the USC had incurred an accumulative loss of Rs9.4 billion; and it seems not much has changed with the PTI taking over the reins of the government, more than three years back. The corporation has failed to curb pilferage, theft and other irregularities, and continues to suffer losses. The fresh raise in prices appears to be an exercise to offset the impact of these losses.

The situation clearly indicates that the relevant authorities are only trying to control the losses at the expense of the people. What is even more disconcerting is the fact that the situation has not been investigated. Claims made by officials are rudimentary at best, while their actions and recommendations may provide temporary relief. It is feared that if the situation persists, the government might resort to shutting down more outlets and laying off employees, as it remains the easiest way out for those at the helm. This perpetual cycle will continue to repeat itself unless and until long-term solutions are sought.

A systematic approach is required. The first step should be to conduct a holistic research into finding out the core reason behind such losses, while particularly taking into consideration the rural-urban divide. Then the social dynamics must be assessed and stores need to be relocated to those areas where demand and purchase is high. However, all this must be done in a human-centric way. The needs of the people must be the topmost priority.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2021.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.

COMMENTS (1)

Muhammad Javed | 3 years ago | Reply It was very early 199os. One day I purchased a few things @ around Rs. 250 from US Guberg Karachi. As a little educated as usual I had confidence on electronic devices like electronic cash-calculators in supermarkets hence I never cared to read the Print Out Receipts. Having nothing to do or anything to read just in a casual exercise just to kill time I started reading this Print Out Receipt. Something struck on my mind I don t know what was it. I started tototalling the amount. While prices of each item was correct the Total was some if I remember exactly in this old age Rs. 24 - in excess to actual. I knew if due to any reason like electricity fluctuation device mal functioning etc the device makes final entry wrong in thousands and thousands not in one or two figures unless it is manufactured so . I realised it was deliberate to cheat silently in an innocent manner. I approached MD US he did not give any response. I then approached the Federal Ombudsman that it was a case covering larger segment of society. The Federal Ombudsman refused to entertain on the ground that my complaint was of a general nature.

Replying to X