Transparency to help attract donors to help poorest

Lahore: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Wednesday lauded Government of Punjab to pay cash subsidy worth Rs 1 billion to poor every month.

Helping poorest segments of population through direct subsidy is a highly commendable decision which will give some relief to one million families facing hardships, said Zubair Ahmed Malik, President FPCCI.

In a statement issued here today, he said that monthly stipend of Rs1000 will not change the lives of those living below the poverty line but it will definitely give them some relief.

In past the provincial government introduced some schemes but now it has realised the importance of targeted cash subsidy which is a very good development, he said.

Zubair Ahmed Malik said that move to protect the poor from impact of inflation and creation of a social protection authority are steps which must be followed by other provinces.

The objectives of the cash-grant programme are noble but it would need unparalleled commitment by the political leadership, he said.

Mere announcement would not be enough as the Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif must take pain to make the proposed programme a success, the FPCCI Chief demanded.

Zubair Ahmed Malik said that Mr. Sharif should ensure merit, forbid delays, leakages, rent seeking and misappropriated to make the plan an inspiration for other provinces.

Provincial government can consider transferring money directly into the bank accounts of low-income people to ensure transparency which may help attract donors.

He called for a proper mechanism to help government reduce waste and save money by eliminating fake beneficiaries and middlemen.

 

He said that Punjab should also consider offering free medical facilities to ordinary people on humanitarian grounds.