Government has evolved a mechanism for keeping the prices of edible items within the reach of common man during Ramzan ul Mubarak under which strict action will be taken against profiteers and hoarders. A watchful eye will be kept on hoarders for checking smuggling of pulses.
These decisions were taken in a meeting of Cabinet Price Control Committee held at Civil Secretariat, here today. Secretaries Agriculture, Livestock, Health, Industries, Food, I&C, Director Intelligence, Director IB, Secretary Information, Commissioner Lahore, MPA Dr. Ayesha Ghaus and former MPA Ch. Sarwar were also present on the occasion. Secretary Agriculture informed the meeting that Rs. 120 million have been transferred to DCOs of all districts under the head of SD for fair price shops in Ramzan ul Mubarak while agriculture staff will also perform its duties in 135 markets. He told that fair price shops monitoring cells are being set up and DCOs will supervise these cells and ensure availability of all daily use commodities. DCOs have been bound to hold meeting with stockiest of their respective districts and warn them not to keep stock but bring edible items in the bazaars so that no artificial shortage could be created during Ramzan.
The meeting was told that all daily use items will be available at affordable rates during Ramzan ul Mubarak and there will be no shortage of any item. Secretary Agriculture told that arrangements have been made for import of banana from India and Philippine, apple from Iran and New Zealand and lintel pulse from Australia and Canada for meeting their shortage.
Secretary Food told the meeting that on the instruction of Punjab Chief Minister, two meetings have been held with representatives of sugar mills associations and they are being agreed upon selling sugar at Rs. 10 less than the current price. He said it has been proposed to sell 20-kg flour bag at Rs. 130 less per bag in Ramzan Bazaars while Rs. 90 less per bag in local market. The meeting was informed that the color of 10-kg bag in Ramzan Bazaars will be green and price will be written on the bag while bags in open markets will have orange color. The meeting was informed that wheat will be supplied to flour mills 15-days before for ensuring availability of flour in abundance in Ramzan ul Mubarak. The meeting was informed that the prices of ghee will be reduced in accordance with oil purchased in June. All DCOs will extend complete cooperation for Madni Dastarkhawans.
