He said that the provincial government had earmarked Rs 3 billion for the wheat subsidy but the decision to maintain the issue price at of the last year would require an additional amount of Rs 1.7 billion and raise total subsidy amount to Rs 4.7 billion. Besides, the Sindh Government has spent more than Rs 1 billion so far to provide free of cost wheat to the people in drought affected areas.
This he said while presiding over a meeting regarding wheat issue price here on Tuesday.
He said that his government was ready to spend additional amount of Rs.1 billion and added that provision in this regard has also been made.
The chief minister said that Sindh Government is spending huge amount to keep flour prices affordable by common man and directed the officers to evolve a mechanism to maintain the prevailing price.
He also directed the officers of Food department to keep strict vigilance on the movement of wheat and ensure that it should not be smuggled to other countries.
The Secretary Food Saeed Awan, briefed the meeting about wheat procurement, available stock position, comparatively province wise issue prices, Atta prices and subsidy position.