Islamabad, March 4, 2024 – In an effort to alleviate the financial burden on citizens during the holy month of Ramadan, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) is gearing up to implement the Rs 7.5 billion Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package 2024 on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
The Prime Minister had previously announced a special subsidy of Rs 7.5 billion, aimed at providing essential food items at subsidized prices during Ramadan, according to a spokesperson of the Utility Stores Corporation. The relief package will encompass 19 basic food items, including staples like flour, ghee, edible oil, sugar, pulses, gram flour, dates, rice, tea, spices, milk, and beverages.
The USC is committed to ensuring an ample supply of all food items at its outlets, catering to the needs of the public throughout the holy month. However, the targeted subsidy is reserved exclusively for poor families, encompassing approximately 200 million people registered with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) under the PMT-60 category, as opposed to PMT-40.
The spokesperson detailed the subsidies applicable to various items, stating that BISP beneficiaries would enjoy a 10-kilogram flour bag for Rs 648, ghee for Rs 365 per kilogram, and sugar for Rs 109 per kilogram. Additionally, a subsidy of Rs 25 per liter would be applied to edible oil, Rs 25 per kilogram on pulses like gram and white gram, Rs 50 per kilogram on gram flour (besan) and dates, Rs 25 per kilogram on Basmati rice, Silah rice, and broken rice, Rs 100 on tea (800 grams), and Rs 30 per liter on packed milk. Spices and beverages would also be available at reduced prices.
For families registered with BISP, the USC aims to provide a total of 20 kilograms of flour, 5 kilograms each of sugar and ghee, and 3 kilograms each of rice, pulses, and cooking oil. There will be no purchase limit for other food items.
To ensure broader accessibility, the spokesperson encouraged deserving individuals not registered under BISP to promptly contact the program’s regional offices or designated Utility Stores. In addition to BISP, the USC has negotiated special discounts with vendors and suppliers for general consumers, offering up to a 15 percent discount on over 1000 items, the details of which will be displayed at USC outlets.
During the holy month, all USC outlets across the country will maintain regular operating hours to serve the general public. A monitoring cell has been established at the USC head office to address public complaints about the package, and vigilance teams have been deployed nationwide to ensure transparency.
The spokesperson emphasized the dedication of USC management and workers in serving the people, urging consumers to report any complaints to the helpline number (0800-05590). As the relief package is implemented, the USC aims to foster a sense of community well-being and support during the sacred month of Ramadan.
