Ramzan package – making things a little easier

Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a Ramzan worth billions of rupees to provide relief to the people of the province.

Under the Ramzan Package, flour bags will be provided to the citizens at concessionary rates. They will be available in both the Ramzan bazaars and open market and the provincial government will give a subsidy of Rs. 3.5 billion on this scheme. 20 kg flour bags will be available in the open market at a Rs 90 lower rate than the market price. Ramzan Bazaar will carry them at a Rs 130 cheaper rate.

The CM gave his approval to this package while presiding over a high-level meeting through video link at the Civil Secretariat. Speaking on the occasion, he said that like previous years, the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) government will also giving a special package during the holy month of Ramzan for providing relief to the masses.

He said that under this package, flour, sugar, pulses, ghee, vegetables and fruit would be available to the citizens at concessionary rate during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak. He said that 318 cheap Ramzan Bazaars would be set up in the province while 17 Model Bazaars will also be converted into Cheap Ramzan Bazaars. He said that sugar would be available at eight rupees less than the market rate in Ramzan Bazaars.

Shehbaz Sharif said that Agriculture Department would set up 335 fare price shops while 147 green channels will also be opened where farmers will directly sell their produce. He said that chicken and eggs would also be available at below the market rate. He said that Utility Stores would also establish stalls in the Ramzan Bazaars. The CM directed that indiscriminate action be taken against hoarders and profiteers and the elements involved in hoarding of pulses and other essential items should be put behind the bars. He said that all ministers and secretaries would pay visits to check the prices of essential commodities during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak.

Shehbaz Sharif said that Ramzan Bazaars would start functioning three days before the start of the holy month. He said that no compromise would be made on the quality of cheap wheat. He directed that there should not be any shortage of essential commodities, fruits or vegetables and in case of threat of shortage, arrangements be made immediately for their import. He said that no excuse will be acceptable in the provision of relief to the masses during Ramzan and no compromise will be made on the quality of edible items, fruits, vegetables and pulses.

The CM further directed that the District Coordination Officers that uncover stocks of pulses would be fully encouraged while action will be taken against administrative officers making wrong declarations in this regard. He said that two thousand Madni dasterkhawans would be set up in the province where free Aftari will be available.