The Punjab government has finalized a special Ramadan package to protect the people from inflation and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities during the month of Ramadan. According to provincial officials, a network of convenience and Ramadan bazaars is being laid before Ramadan so that citizens can get basic commodities at cheap rates in one place.
A detailed review of the arrangements was taken in a meeting held in this regard under the chairmanship of Special Assistant for Food Safety and Consumer Protection Salma Butt. During the meeting, it was informed that 76 convenience bazaars are being fully activated in different districts of the province, while 9 more new bazaars will be established so that people from remote areas can also benefit from government relief.
All daily necessities including flour, sugar, pulses, rice, ghee, oil, vegetables and fruits will be available in the Ramadan bazaars at fixed government rates. Officials say that special arrangements have been made to maintain continuity of supply so that there is no shortage of any item.
Salma Butt clarified that the government considers providing quality and safe food to the public as its top priority. She said that food safety teams will conduct regular inspections in the markets and strict legal action will be taken against those selling defective or substandard items.
Moreover, clear display of official branding and price lists has been made mandatory in the markets so that buyers are aware of the actual prices. A special helpline and monitoring system will also be activated for immediate redressal of complaints.
The government says that these steps are being taken keeping in mind the public convenience during Ramadan so that every section of the society can benefit from affordable and quality items and the burden of inflation is reduced.
