The government on Tuesday announced Ramazan Package worth Rs 2.2 billion, which would formally be launched by the end of July. Under the package, during the upcoming Ramzan, the government would provide a number of essential commodities at subsidised rates across the country at Utility Stores Corporation (USC) outlets.
Federal Minister for Industries and Production Parvaiz Elahi made this announcement after a briefing of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC). President of PML-Q Shujaat Hussain, Advisor to Prime Minister on Industries Mohammad Basharat, Secretary, Industries, Aziz Ahmed Bilour, Additional Secretary Agha Nadeem and other officials of the ministry also attended the briefing. USC MD, at the briefing on the proposed Ramazan Package, said that USC would take all possible measures to provide maximum relief to the people. Parvaiz directed the Managing Director of USC to increase the quantum of subsidy as provided last year.
During last Ramazan, the government had provided about 1000 commodities at subsidised rates, with relief ranging from 3 percent to 10 percent. This year, a number of items, including cooking oil/ghee, pulses, wheat flour, fruits, drinks, sugar, milk, etc, have registered significance increases. Pervaiz directed to enlarge the list of subsidised items, so that more essential commodities could be provided to common man at lower rates during the month of Ramazan.
The minister reiterated that during the holly month of Ramazan supply and availability of daily use item at all Utility Stores at cheaper rates would be ensured. Shujaat emphasised on providing maximum relief to the masses by ensuring provision of basic commodities at cheaper rates at Utility Stores. He said that during Ramazan USC should facilitate people to the extent as much as possible.