CM inaugurated nutrition clinic of PFA at Garden Town

Lahore : Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar visited the head office of Punjab Food Authority (PFA) here on Monday and presided over a departmental meeting in which DG Cap. (R) Muhammad Usman gave a briefing about the performance of Punjab Food Authority.

He was also briefed about milk pasteurizing program. Chief Minister directed to initiate an effective crackdown against the adulteration mafia in the whole of province and said that PFA should initiate indiscriminate action against the elements involved in it. The elements engaged in the adulteration of food do not deserve any leniency and the government will go to any extent to provide pure food items to the people. The holy month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak is about to start and the PFA should effectively curb the adulteration mafia along with the launch of a vigorous awareness campaign.

The Chief Minister appreciated the performance of PFA and directed that it should ensure a strict implementation of laws pertaining to the provision of pure food items.

Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated the maiden nutrition clinic of Punjab Food Authority at Garden Town. He also talked to the nutritionists and visiting women and distributed gifts among the kids during his visit to the day-care center. Provincial Ministers Sami Ullah Chaudhary, Nauman Langhrial, Secretary Food, DG PFA, Spokesman to CM and others were also present.

Talking to the media, the Chief Minister said that he has issued instructions for initiating vigorous action against the adulteration mafia throughout the province. Though, PFA is already active against the adulteration of food but a strict implementation of PFA laws will be ensured during Ramadan-ul-Mubarak so that the provision of pure food items could be ensured. I have also inaugurated the first nutrition clinic and such clinics will also be established in every district of the province.

Replying to a question about the transfer of civil servants, the Chief Minister said that transfers are an administrative matter. The government may change any officer at will and recent transfers are made on administrative grounds.

To another question about the change of ministers, the Chief Minister said that ministers’ performance is being monitored regularly and a suitable decision will be made at an appropriate time. The minister will definitely discuss with the Chief Minister if he has an issue with the secretary. The officers have worked with those who have ruled Punjab for 30 years but the bureaucracy should be loyal to the state than to any party, he added.

To another question, he said that good officers will continue to work in the field and those who will not deliver, will not continue on their posts. Those who perform would stay on their posts and those who would not deliver will not be part of my team, he added. The political leadership makes decisions and implementation is the responsibility of the bureaucracy. He said that Punjab is a big province of 12 crore people. Resources are less and problems are more but we are working day and night to overcome the problems while remaining within our resources.

To a question about the selection of Punjab Bank President, the Chief Minister said that this is not a matter of mine nor do I work like this. To another question, he said that best relations exist between PTI and PML-Q in the province and there is nothing to worry about in this regard.

To another question, he said that the draft of the new local body system has been prepared and we are going to devolve the powers at the grassroots. More than 22 thousands village councils will be constituted in the new system. Local bodies’ representatives will be truly empowered, he said. The funds will be distributed at the grassroots for the first time through public representatives and this would help to solve the problems of the people at their doorsteps. Replying to a question about Fayaz ul Hassan Chohan, Chief Minister said that he is our brother and you will be informed whenever he is inducted.

Replying to a question about the grant of Lahore Press Club, Usman Buzdar said that issue of LPC will be solved and a meeting would be held soon in this regard. Uniform policy is being formulated with regard to the distribution of advertisements and the issue of payment of advertisements will also be solved.

To another question, he said that vigorous action will be initiated against those responsible for artificial price-hike during Ramadan-ul-Mubarak. Punjab government will also evolve the Ramazan Package for providing relief to the general public. The quality of different items will be ensured and a definite difference will be visible to you, he said. The powers of the Chief Minister is not curtailed due to the issuance of any notification because of Chief Minister continues to be the Chief Minister. It is the prerogative of the Chief Minister to conduct inspections of the institutions personally or deputes a minister or the bureaucracy, the Chief Minister concluded.