Model push carts project approved

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday gave approval to a pilot project for introduction of model push carts for vendors of food products in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi districts.

However, he said the design of the cart needed further improvement. He directed officials concerned to develop and submit to him a business model for promotion of model carts among people interested in starting food business in the three cities.

He said the government would subsidise the cost of the carts. He said the use of model carts would be allowed only at designated places.

Besides improving the standard of food, Sharif said the introduction of model carts at designated places only would also help improve road traffic.

The chief minister also directed heads of task forces to strengthen their ongoing campaign against adulteration in the province. He also approved a plan to expand the scope of the Punjab Food Authority to eight more districts of the province, including Murree.

The meeting also decided that strict penalties be imposed on businesses failing to meet food quality standards and special courts be set up to hear cases against businesses accused of selling adulterated food items.

The chief minister urged the PFA officials to benefit from the resources available with the Punjab Information Technology Board to improve its operations.

He directed the PFA to arrange training programmes for the staff. He said PFA officials should be sent abroad if needed for training.

He said a third-party audit of all activities of the authority should be ensured.

He also asked officials concerned to organise an awareness raising campaign on categorisation of restaurants and food outlets.

Ministers Rana Sanaullah and Bilal Yasin were present at the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2015.