Flour mills monitoring Punjab CS directs DCs to closely monitor flour mills

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique Malik has directed the deputy commissioners to closely monitor flour mills after the increase in the government wheat quota.

He mentioned that all districts would get wheat quota as per their demand to ensure the availability of a sufficient quantity of flour at the fixed price across the province. He issued this direction while presiding over a meeting to review the price control measures.

The meeting reviewed prices and availability of essential commodities in Sahulat bazaars, open market and the ongoing crackdown against hoarders and profiteers. The divisional commissioners briefed the chief secretary about the steps being taken to control the commodities prices in the districts.

Speaking at the meeting, the chief secretary asked the administrative officers to keep a strict check on the process of wheat grinding and flour supply from the mills to market. He directed that the non-functional mills selling wheat quota be closed down for the whole season, instead of only imposing fine on them.

He said that as per the directions of the prime minister and chief minister, steps were being taken to control inflation under a comprehensive strategy. He said the Punjab government was providing billions of rupees subsidy on flour with the view to provide relief to the people. He ordered the officers to provide all necessary facilities in the Sahulat bazaars but restrained them from making unnecessary expenses there. He also issued instructions for regular checking of the rate lists at shops. He said that besides monitoring prices, the quality of essential commodities should also be ensured in Sahulat bazaar, adding that providing relief to consumers was priority.

The meeting was briefed that as per the chief minister’s directive, the provincial government had made functional 380 Sahulat bazaars across the province to make sure availability of essential items, including flour and sugar at discounted rates.

Due to effective steps by the government, prices in the open market have shown a downward trend. The Tiger Force has been assigned responsibilities regarding price control measures in the districts.