LAHORE: Chief Secretary Punjab Jawaad Rafique Malik took notice of the non-display of rate lists at shops in Multan, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur and sought a report from the special branch and urban unit which were tasked to monitor the price control measures throughout the province.
While presiding over a review meeting of the price control here on Thursday, he said it was responsibility of the administrative officers to ensure display of the price lists at shops, and the deputy commissioner concerned would be held answerable for violations, if any, adding that negligence on this important issue cannot be tolerated in any case.
The Chief Secretary said there was a clear difference in the prices of vegetables in various cities and the conventional method of auction in fruits and vegetable markets needs to be improved to control the prices of agricultural commodities. He directed that suggestions be submitted to improve the existing system in these markets. He asked the officers to encourage farmers for setting up stalls in the Sahulat Bazaars as it would help bring down prices of vegetables and fruits. He also issued instructions to keep a close watch on the quality, prices, demand, and supply of essential commodities, especially flour and sugar, in the Sahulat bazaars as well as in the open market.
Participating through the video link, the IG Punjab said that like other crimes, prevention of hoarding is also one of the duties of the police. He said full cooperation would be provided to the administration by the police in connection with price control measures.
The Industries Secretary informed the meeting that 285 Sahulat bazaars have been made functional in the province for the availability of essential commodities, especially flour and sugar at fixed rates. He said the number of Sahulat bazaars would be increased to 400 in the next two days to provide maximum relief to the consumers. The meeting was attended by Secretary Food, CEO Urban Unit, Chairman PITB, and Commissioner Lahore whereas divisional commissioners, RPOs, deputy commissioners, and DPOs participated through video link.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020