Rs5b subsidy fixed on 19 basic items under Ramzan Package
Ijaz Kakakhel ISLAMABAD
A legislative body of Upper House of parliament on Tuesday was informed that proposals relating to Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the year 2023-24 of Ministry of Industries and Production total 21 projects have been enlisted.
Additional Secretary Incharge for Ministry of Industries and Production Momin Agha informed the committee that a total of 21 projects have been enlisted for Financial year 2023-24, which includes 17 ongoing and 04 new projects with a total cost of Rs19,013 million. Senator Khalida Ateeb remarked that projects which aimed to boast the economy and enhance exports, should be encouraged in the present economic scenario.
These discussions were made during a meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production, which was held here at Parliament House while Senator Khalida Ateeb was in Chair.
The Senate body was briefed about the measures taken so far by Utility Stores Corporation (USC) to ensure availability of basic necessities to general masses. Muhammad Ali Amir, MD Utility Stores Corporation, apprised the Committee that USC has stock of around 1921.50 Metric Tons Flour, 10312.69 Metric Ton Sugar, 1389.94 Metric Ton Ghee, 511.68 Metric Ton Dal Channa, 304.06 Metric Ton Dal Masoor, 391.96 Metric Ton White Gram, 1174.46 Metric Ton Rice Basamti, 611.42 Metric Rice Sella, 1018.59 Metric Ton Broken Rice in nine different zones of the country.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada inquired as to what criteria USC is implying to provide subsidy to general public. MD USC stated that Government is providing targeted subsidy which includes individuals having monthly income below Rs.29,000 and registered with Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).
He further added that Government is providing Rs1.6 billion subsidy every month and huge bulk is being spent on Flour, a subsidy of around Rs.62 is being given on per kg flour.
