AS the holy month of Ramazan-ul Mubarak is nearing, Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet on Tuesday approved Ramazan package worth 8.
2 billion rupees in order to provide essential commodities such as flour, sugar, oil and pulses on discounted rates.
The Ramazan Package will be available with effect from April 1, 2022, up till the last day of Ramazan.
Before the advent of Ramazan, such a relief package has become a regular feature.
In fact ever since 1991, these packages are being announced by successive governments which are implemented through the network of Utility Stores Corporation.
This year, however, the relief package has a special significance given the unprecedented rise being witnessed in the prices of essential commodities which have gone beyond the reach of common man.
Hence, providing relief to the masses through the USC is a step in the right direction.
Funds to the USC should be released in a timely manner so that it could timely procure the essential commodities in sufficient quantity.
Reducing the prices at the utility stores also help maintain prices in the open market.Often the people complain about the quality of items sold at the utility stores.
Similarly, substandard items including fruit and vegetable are sold at Sasta bazaars opened up by the provincial governments during the holy month.
We, therefore, will recommend that a mechanism is developed to ensure that only quality products are available to the people at the utility stores and Sasta bazaars.
Ahead of Ramazan, the prices of kitchen items witness stark increase much to the worry and disappointment of the poor and lower middle class.
This is in sharp contrast to other countries where the prices are significantly reduced by the traders/retailers during this month.
In our country unfortunately, the pockets of poor consumers are robbed by the traders.
We will suggest the government to also activate the local administration with the orders to take strict action against elements resorting to undue profiteering.
Apart from imposing heavy fines on them, such elements should be sent behind the bars.
