13 new model bazaars to be set up across province

LAHORE:The Punjab government Friday decided to build 13 new model bazaars in those districts of the province where such bazaars didn’t not exist. The decision was taken in a meeting presided over by the Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain in the committee room of the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT).

The meeting decided to establish these 13 new model bazaars in different districts of Punjab after provincial cabinet nod. The new model bazaars will be constructed in Muzaffargarh, Mandi Bahauddin, Okara, Narowal, Chiniot, Khanewal, Chunian, Pattoki, Wazirabad, Sharqpur, Bhalwal, Jhelum and Jaranwala.

However, it is important to mention here that the government decided to open 13 new model bazaars which is a good step for the neglected districts, but the situation of the existing bazaars and the staff of these bazaar is vulnerable. The field staff of the bazaars are not getting regular increments despite the announcement of increase in the salaries by the provincial government in the budget.

On the other hand, the officials deputed in the headquarters of the Punjab Model Bazaar company managed to get the raise being close to the chairman and top hierarchy. The officials of the Punjab model bazaar said that it was a company and not mandatory to increase the salaries alongside the increase of the government employees.

Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain addressing the meeting observed that the model bazaars would be built in the districts where these model bazaars did not exist. After the approval of the cabinet, the project regarding establishment of new model bazaars will be taken forward.

He said that model bazaars were a major source of providing relief to the people. Quality items are available at discount prices in model bazaars, employment of thousands of people is also associated with these bazaars. By establishing new model bazaars, more people will benefit and new employment opportunities will be created.

He said this public welfare project will be completed in a short period of time. During the briefing, he was apprised that the site has been identified and working has been completed to build these model bazaars in 17 districts. Punjab Model Bazaar Management Company CEO Naveed Rafaqat, General Manager Operations, Civil Engineer and other officers concerned attended the meeting.