Chief Secretary Punjab 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. He was chairing a meeting of all deputy commissioners at Civil Secretariat here on Saturday. He ordered that special steps be taken for monitoring the quality, supply and prices of eatables ahead of the holy month of Ramzan so that relief could be provided to people in real sense.
He said that rate lists should be displayed at shops for facilitating people. He directed that best arrangements be ensured for setting up Ramzan bazaars in the holy month. He said that under the Punjab government's Ramzan package flour, sugar, pulses, ghee, vegetables and fruits will be available at concessionary rates during Ramzan. He said that all the departments concerned should make every effort for providing fruits of Ramzan package to people. About wheat procurement campaign, the Chief Secretary said that purchase of every grain 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 to conduct regular visits to hospitals to improve healthcare facilities and sanitation there. He said that 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 that 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, told the meeting that Ramzan bazaars will start from 25 Shaban throughout the province. He said that Agriculture Department will establish fair price shops in these Ramzan bazaars. He mentioned that price control magistrates have been deputed for monitoring prices. The Secretary Food and Director General of 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.