‘Subsidised items’ shortage’ looms at utility stores

The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production was informed on Tuesday that the stock of subsidised items at the utility stores would last a few more weeks.

The members of the panel reviewed the availability of the items in the stores for the financially less fortunate citizens.

Currently, the stores had only four-day stock of ghee, twelve-day stock of sugar and two-day stock of flour left at their disposal.

The members of the committee bemoaned that those who were not able to have their national identity card verified and confirmed could not qualify for the subsided flour, whereas citizens who are eligible for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) can get 40 kg of flour.

The committee members also took exception to the quality of items being sold, noting that the things were of sub-standard quality.

However, the officials explained that the items were being procured keeping in view the purchasing power of the targeted citizens and were tailored to their needs.

“Procurement of goods at utility stores is done through tenders, samples are sent to the laboratory for testing the quality of the goods.

Meanwhile, the members of the committee expressed their annoyance at the non-participation of the relevant ministry.

It was informed that consumers were given a monthly subsidy of Rs1.6 billion at the utility stores. “We serve five million people monthly,” the representatives of the ministry said.

“Rs37 per kg subsidy is being given to ordinary consumers on flour, 19 items will be subsidized in Ramazan,” the members were told.