He further directed to increase the supply of flour to all districts of the province. He said that due to comprehensive steps Atta would be available to the people in abundant quantity even after Eid. He said that provision of relief to poor and destitute persons is his mission and he will make all out efforts for its achievement.
He directed authorities concerned to adopt a comprehensive strategy for the sale of Roti for rupees two in the province even after Ramazan and constituted a high level committee to be headed by Chief Secretary Punjab to formulate recommendations for the practical implementation of the programme as well as other issues.
He was presiding over a high level meeting at Chief Minister's Secretariat, here Wednesday to review Ramazan Package and measures for controlling prices of essential items during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak. He said that three laboratories to be set up under the control of prominent and well-reputed companies for checking the quality of atta in the province and funds be issued immediately for this purpose.
He highly commended the efforts of Regional Co-ordination Officers and other senior officers for maintaining the prices of essential commodities at reasonable level and the sale of 20-kg atta bag for Rs 300 and Roti for Rs 2. He said that the aim of progress and prosperity of the country could be realised if the same commitment and dedication for provision of relief during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak remained, displayed in every sector of life.
He said that provision of relief to the poor masses had been his mission and an effective strategy would be adopted for the supply of Roti to the people for Rs 2 after Ramazan-ul-Mubarak as well. He said that if billions of rupees could be spent on the construction of palatial offices why funds could not be allocated for removing hunger and poverty, he posed question.
He said that committee set up for ensuring sale of Roti for Rs 2 should take up this project as a challenge as it was the first step towards surmounting other problems. He said that sale of Roti for Rs 2 was not impossible and this noble aim would be achieved with the grace of God. He said that he would not hesitate to take any step for the welfare of the poor people, as it was his responsibility as Khadam-e-Aala.
Reviewing the prices in the meeting Chief Minister said that provision of 20-kg atta at Rs 300, roti at Rs 2 and daily use items at fixed prices was ensured during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak and trend of reduction in prices of various commodities was witnessed. Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary that if any complaint had been found in this regard the same may be removed within 24 hours and report be submitted. He said that complete vigilance of atta bags outside the flourmills and account of each bag should be maintained. Chief Minister appreciated the performance of Additional IG Special Branch, Malik Muhammad Iqbal with regard to provision of useful information about prices and checking of smuggling.
The meeting was told that 2536 fair price shops and 367 Ramazan Bazaars were set up in the province whereas 716 magistrates were deputed for checking price-hike. These magistrates conducted 36276 raids and registered 471 cases and a fine of Rs 6.9 million was received. The meeting was further told that on the orders of Chief Minister Punjab, 163 free Aftari Centres were set up for Iftar of the poor and destitute at various places throughout the province.
Similarly, atta bags were also provided at CSD shops and effective steps were also taken for checking the smuggling. The meeting was told that atta was supplied in such an abundant quantity in Lahore and other districts that the unsold quantity was returned to flourmills in the evening.