New dept to regulate prices, supply

Authorities merged to improve oversight of essential commodities

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has established a new department to regulate the supply and demand of food items, monitor prices, and oversee related industries.

The Services Department issued a notification to create the Price Control and Commodity Management Department, which will now be responsible for food and commodity regulation across the province.

The new department consists of five specialized wings and will include the oversight of two autonomous authorities: the Punjab Food Authority and the Punjab Agriculture Marketing Regulatory Authority (PAMRA).

As part of its restructuring, the position of Director Food has been abolished and replaced by a new Director General Food and Cane Commissioner, merging previously separate roles.

Several existing agencies have been integrated into the new framework, including the Food Directorate, the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing, and the Consumer Protection Council. Consumer rights, including matters related to consumer courts, will now be handled under the new department.

Additionally, the Director General of Prices from the Industries Department will serve as DG Commodities, with 50% of the Industries Department's staff transferred to the new body.

The PAMRA Director General from the Agriculture Department has also been linked to the department.

The responsibilities of the Price Control and Commodity Management Department will include monitoring food procurement, sales, storage, and transportation, with a focus on wheat and flour.

It will assess potential shortages and take measures to ensure a steady food supply in Punjab. The department will also regulate inter-provincial trade of essential commodities and formulate policies accordingly.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was instrumental in establishing the new department, citing the need for centralised and effective regulation of food-related matters, which were previously managed by multiple departments including the Food, Agriculture and Industries Departments, as well as the Punjab Bureau of Statistics and the Skills Development Department.

The new entity aims to streamline operations and address gaps in the system.

The department will also be tasked with overseeing sugar mills and flour mills, ensuring compliance with various provincial laws including the Punjab Sugar Factories Control Act, Food Stuff Control Act and Price Control and

Anti-Profiteering and Hoarding Act.