CM Punjab gives approval to Ramadan Package

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has given approval to Ramazan Package worth billions of rupees for providing relief to the people of the province. Under the Ramazan Package, flour bags will be provided to the citizens at concessionary rate in Ramazan Bazars and open market and the provincial government will give a subsidy of Rs. 3.5 billion on this scheme. Flour bag of 20 kg will be available in open market at 90 rupees less than the market price and in Ramazan Bazar at Rs. 130 below the market rate.

The Chief Minister gave approval to this package while presiding over a high level meeting through video link at Civil Secretariat, today. Speaking on the occasion, he said that like previous years, Pakistan Muslim League-N government will also giving a special package during the holy month of Ramazan for providing relief to the masses. He said that under this package, flour, sugar, pulses, ghee, vegetables and fruit will be available to the citizens at concessionary rate during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak.

He said that 318 Sastay Ramazan Bazaars will be set up in the province while 17 Model Bazars will also be converted into Sastay Ramazan Bazars. He said that sugar will be available at eight rupees less than the market rate in Ramazan Bazars. Shahbaz Sharif said that Agriculture Department will 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 will also be available at below the market rate. He said that Utility Stores will also establish its stalls in Ramazan Bazars.

The Chief Minister directed that indiscriminate action should be taken against hoarders and profiteers and the elements involved in hoarding of pulses and other essential items should be behind the bars. He said that all ministers and secretaries will pay visits to check prices of essential commodities during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak. Shahbaz Sharif said that Ramazan Bazars will start functioning three days before the start of the holy month. He said that no compromise will be made on the quality of Sasta Atta. He said that stalls of Utility Store will also be set up in Ramazan Bazars and quality essential items, fruits and vegetables will be supplied on cheaper rate in Ramazan Bazars.

The Chief Minister directed 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 Ramazan and no compromise will be made on the quality of edible items, fruits, vegetables and pulses. The Chief Minister further directed that the District Coordination Officers which have uncovered stocks of pulses will be fully encouraged while action will be taken against administrative officers making wrong declarations in this regard. He said that two thousand Madni dasterkhawans will be set up in the province where free Aftari will be available.

Provincial Ministers Bilal Yasin, Dr. Farrukh Javed, Ch. Muhammad Shafique, Special Assistant Arshad Jutt, Members Provincial Assembly, concerned secretaries, Commissioner Lahore Division, DCO Lahore and senior officers attended the meeting at Civil Secretariat through video link while Chief Secretary, Press Secretary to Chief Minister, Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board and concerned officers participated in the meeting through video link in Model Town.