The Punjab government has fixed reduced prices of essential food items under the ‘Ramazan Nigahban Package’ to provide relief to citizens during the forthcoming Holy month of Ramazan.
An important meeting of the Food Safety and Consumer Protection department was held in this regard, chaired by Special Assistant for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Salma Butt. The meeting reviewed arrangements for the supply of subsidised food items across the province.
Salma Butt announced that during Ramazan, a 10-kilogram bag of flour will be available at a subsidised price of Rs 850 at Model Bazaars, Sahulat Bazaars, and Ramazan Bazaars.
She said that each flour mill will establish three sale points in its respective district to ensure the smooth availability of subsidised flour.
She further stated that chicken will be available at Rs 15 per kilogram, less than the market price, while eggs will also be sold at a reduced rate of Rs 10 per dozen at special Ramadan markets.
To support needy families, Salma Butt said that 1,216 ‘Maryam ka Dastarkhwan’ will be set up across 152 tehsils of Punjab during Ramazan. At each Dastarkhwan 250 people will be provided with a complete meal for iftar.
The Special Assistant also announced that all Ramazan Model and Sahulat Bazaars across Punjab will become operational from February 15, ahead of the holy month. These bazaars will remain open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout Ramadan.
In the current week, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had already approved the CM Ration Cards, Nigahban Dastarkhwan, Sahulat Bazaar, and other administrative initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged citizens. With these steps taken by the Punjab government, people will not have to struggle to seek assistance.
In addition to cash support, beneficiaries will be able to purchase essential items through the Ramazan Nigahban Card. The district administration will conduct door-to-door outreach in designated areas, and the Ramadan Nigahban Card will be provided under the supervision of the Chief Minister of Punjab.
Cash withdrawals will be available through Bank of Punjab branchless banking agents using the Ramazan Nigahban Card. Beneficiaries will also be able to withdraw cash from One Link Network ATMs and make purchases from designated shopkeepers using the Ramazan Nigahban Card.
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