Free flour scheme fraught with problems

Various free flour distribution points set up in city were rendered inactive due to poor strategy on the part of the district administration and food department. Friday’s distribution process could not be resumed at several flour distribution points.

Additionally, flour was reportedly being embezzled in connivance with flour mill owners and staff by issuing fake slips. Only five days passed since the start of the flour distribution campaign and during that period, incidents of women and elderly citizens getting injured and fainting were also reported. Citizens additionally accused administrative staff of misbehaving with citizens and making them queue for hours despite being eligible.

Despite heavy rains forecast by the meteorological department, district administration and food department officials, including Deputy Commissioner Umer Jahangir, could not move the free flour distribution points to a suitable location. Friday’s rain disrupted flour distribution at points established in the open. The distribution was called off for the day, while citizens returned home greatly disappointed after having to wait for several hours.

On the other hand, it was reported that hundreds of bags of flour are being embezzled on a daily basis by issuing fake slips and bags of flour are being sold at exorbitant prices in the market. Due to the lack of effective checking by district administration and alleged involvement of staff, dozens of people are being deprived of free flour every day.

The citizens demanded that the higher authorities, including the caretaker Chief Minister, Commissioner Multan and Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab take notice and strictly monitor the distribution process.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2023.