Crackdown on profiteers, hoarders ordered

LAHORE : Punjab Chief Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar has directed deputy commissioners to launch a crackdown on profiteers and hoarders for ensuring availability of daily-use commodities at fixed prices.

While chairing a meeting of all the deputy commissioners at Civil Secretariat, he said special steps would be taken for monitoring the quality, supply and prices of eatables ahead of Ramdan so that relief could be provided to the people. He said rate lists should be displayed at shops. He directed the officials concerned to ensure best arrangements for setting up Ramdan bazaars.

He said under the Punjab government’s Ramdan package flour, sugar, pulses, ghee, vegetables and fruits will be available at concessionary rates during Ramdan. He said all the departments concerned should make every effort for providing fruits of Ramdan package to people. About wheat procurement campaign, the chief secretary said purchase must be ensured at the price fixed by the government. He also ordered provision of facilities at wheat purchase centres.

The chief secretary directed the officers concerned to conduct regular visits to hospitals to improve healthcare facilities and sanitation there. He said funds have been provided to health councils in the districts, adding that top three performing districts in health sector would be given cash award.

He said Tax Day is being observed in the province on April 10 to enhance awareness among people, directing the deputy commissioners to extend full support to relevant departments in this regard. He also issued instructions regarding timely completion of arrangements to cope with possible floods. He ordered the officers to implement directions about open door policy and holding open courts to resolve peoples’ problems.

The secretary industries, in his briefing, apprised the meeting that Ramdan bazaars would be starting from 25 Shaban throughout the province. He said agriculture department would establish fair price shops in these Ramdan bazaars. He said price control magistrates have been deputed for monitoring the prices.

The secretary food and DG PDMA gave detailed briefing to the meeting about wheat procurement campaign and pre-flood arrangements. The meeting was attended by administrative secretaries of different departments, deputy commissioners and officers concerned.