Govt announces Rs2.5bn Ramazan package for provision of essential commodities to the masses at reduced rates through the Utility Stores Corporation.
Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said this while addressing a news conference along with the Managing Director Utility Stores Corporation.
Govt announces Rs2.5bn Ramazan package
She said the USC would provide 19 essential commodities at reduced rates during the holy month.
However, she said if required, they could incresae Ramazan package to Rs07 billion.
Awan said this Ramazan package will remain effective till Eid ul Fitr.
The Special Assistant said subsidy on five essential items will be carried forward after the Eid.
Under the Prime Minister’s 1200 billion rupees relief package, govt decided to provide fifty billion rupees to the Utility Stores Corporation.
Centre has already disbured Rs 10 billion to the corporation to ensure that the utility outlets have sufficient stocks of the essential items.
The govt would also enforce monitoring mechanism regarding availability of items at the utility stores at the district level.
Awan said government is taking steps to protect the vulnerable segments of society from the negative impacts of coronavirus.
For this purpose, cash disbursements of twelve thousand rupees each to the deserving families under Ehsaas Emergency Cash program have been started.
She said we will overcome the challenge of coronavirus through collective efforts.
Meanwhile, USC Managing Director Umer Lodhi also spoke.
He announce3d a subsidy of 15 to 20 rupees on basin and pulses.
Similarly, he announced on the items commonly used in Ramazan such as squashes, sugar, tea and milk.
He said the USC has a network of 4200 outlets across the country.
Moreover, Lodhi announced opening of additional 200 outlets in the next fifteen to twenty days.
The USC also plans to establish 200 outlets after Ramazan with focus on the rural areas.
He said quality of products is being ensured at the utility outlets.