‘No one will be allowed to fleece the public’

LAHORE:

Excise and Taxation Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman said on Saturday that the government had established Ramazan Bazaars province-wide to provide flour, sugar, ghee and vegetables among other basic necessities at subsidised rates to the people during the holy month.        

Rehman made the remarks while inspecting a Ramazan Bazaar in Barkat Market. He said no one would be allowed to fleece the public. The minister said district authorities and lawmakers would routinely inspect Ramazan Bazaars to ensure that the people reaped the benefits of the Ramazan package. He said a 10-kilogram flour bag was being sold for Rs310 at Ramazan Bazaars courtesy a Rs3.5 billion-flour subsidy.

The minister directed Town Municipal Administration officials to ensure the provision of quality necessities at the Ramazan Bazaar on the occasion. Rehman said Utility Stores Corporation stalls had also been established across Ramazan Bazaars. He said quality fruits and vegetables would be available at the Agriculture Department’s Fair Price Shops. Rehman said strict action would be taken against those suspected of creating artificial shortages and selling items at inflated rates. The minister said all DCOs had been supervising commodity auctions at markets.

Rehman said the government had zero-tolerance for hoarders. He also inspected the price and quality of items at the Ramazan Bazaar and interacted with the people on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2015.