Ensure 100pc availability of subsidised flour: minister

LAHORE

Punjab Minister for Planning and Development Malik Nadeem Kamran has sought report on availability of subsidised flour in districts and directed deputy commissioners to ensure 100 percent availability of subsidised flour in green bags at shops throughout the province and submit a detailed report by Thursday (today). 

He was chairing a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Ramazan Plan at Civil Secretariat on Wednesday. The minister said: “The chief minister said that only subsidised flour would be sold at every shop in the province and sale of white flour bags be stopped”. He mentioned that sale of flour in white bags was banned to give benefit of subsidised flour to maximum number of people.

Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Saeed directed the deputy commissioners to implement orders regarding provision of subsidised flour and take action in case of violation. He said no complaint about unavailability or shortage of green bag flour should be received, adding after ensuring availably of subsidised flour at shops white bags be lifted immediately.

The secretary food told the meeting that all the flour mills in the province have been informed about ban on sale of unsubsidised flour in white bags and policy on the provision of subsidised flour. He warned if any flour mill is found selling flour in white bag, it would be sealed. He added that supply of green bag flour has been increased manifolds while the white bags already present at shops have almost ended. Those among present were Secretary Industries, Additional IG Special Branch, deputy commissioner Lahore, officers of Agriculture and Livestock Department whereas deputy commissioners joined the meeting through a video link.

Ramazan bazaars:    Provincial Minister for Communication and Works Malik Tanveer Aslam Awan has said that Punjab government is providing economic relief to the consumers through Ramazan bazaars under the vision of the chief minister.

He said that the chief minister had given more than Rs9 billion Ramazan package and its benefits were being provided to the people through regular monitoring by the administrative and government machinery.

He was inspecting Ramadan bazaars of Islampura and Shadman Market in Lahore. He took round of the bazaars and checked the quality and prices of fruits, vegetables and other grocery items. He also inspected the counters of cheap sugar and flour. He asked the buyers about the benefits and arrangements of the Ramazan bazaars. He directed to the administration to make better arrangements of cleanliness.