Price-hike would be controlled during Ramzan: Punjab Government

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Education, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan who is also convener of the cabinet committee constituted by the Chief Minister Punjab for the implementation of Ramazan Package has said that Punjab government will share the burden of price-hike with fasting Muslims during Ramazan-ul-Mubarik. He said that due to Ramazan Package not only price-hike would be controlled but the people would realize themselves that the prices and quality of essential items and arrangements would be better as compared to the past in 350 Ramazan Bazars set up throughout the province. While addressing a joint press conference with Provincial Food Minister Bilal Yasin at DGPR office today, Provincial Education Minister said that Punjab government has given a subsidy of  rupees four billion for Ramazan bazaars. He said that Punjab government would provide eatable items to the people at cheaper rates under one roof in every Ramazan bazaar. He said that all edible items would also be available to the people at cheaper rates than open market in Punjab as a result of subsidy of rupees two  billion given to utility stores by Federal government. Rana Mashhood said that the Utility Stores Corporation would also set up its stalls in 350 Ramazan bazaars throughout the province whereas sugar mills owners would sell sugar directly through trucks and sugar will be available in abundance in Ramazan bazaars two rupees per kg less than the open market. He said that all edible items have been provided in the market under Ramazan Package from July 8. He said that Rs.100/- subsidy is being given by the government on every 20 kg atta bag whereas a subsidy of Rs.60/- is being given at every 20 kg bag in open market.

Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan disclosed that Punjab Chief Minister has constituted divisional committees for controlling price-hike and maintaining supply of items in Ramazan bazaars according to requirement. A Provincial Minister has been nominated head of every divisional committee who would stay in respective division during Ramazan ul Mubarik. He said that district committees headed by public representatives have started monitoring work at district level. He said that the nefarious designs of hoarders and profiteers would be foiled and they will be dealt with iron hand. Provincial Education Minister told that Muhammadi Dastarkhawan would be arranged at union council level with the cooperation of well-to-do people and more than 1000 such dastarkhawans would be arranged throughout the province. He said that one or two dastarkhawans would be arranged in every provincial constituency where free sehri and iftari arrangements would be made for fasting people.

Addressing the press conference, Provincial Food Minister Bilal Yasin said that 1381 price magistrates will directly work under his control throughout the province. He said that Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif will also pay surprise visits to Ramazan bazaars in different cities. He said that a control room has been set up in the office of every DCO where common people can lodge complaints on telephone whereas price control magistrates have been bound to remain present in Ramazan bazaars falling under their jurisdiction so that public complaints regarding non-availability of daily use items or selling items at higher prices could be removed on the spot. He said that the complaint cells are also empowered to send the illegal profiteers to jail.