Today marks a significant milestone as the Utility Store Corporation (USC) unveils the much-awaited Rs 7.5 billion Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package 2024. This initiative, spearheaded by the Prime Minister, aims to extend a helping hand to millions of households during the holy month of Ramadan. With a focus on ensuring affordability and accessibility, this 5000 package promises to alleviate the burden on the less fortunate and make essential food items readily available.
Key Highlights of the Ramadan Package March
Here are the key highlights of the Ramadan Package by the Government of Pakistan:
- Subsidized Prices: The package offers subsidies on 19 essential food items, including flour, ghee, edible oil, sugar, pulses, dates, rice, tea, spices, and beverages.
- Targeted Beneficiaries: Only families registered under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) under the PMT Score by CNIC is less than 60 category are eligible to avail of the targeted subsidy.
- Abundant Availability: The USC ensures abundant availability of all subsidized food items at its outlets nationwide to cater to the needs of the public.
- Subsidy Details: Detailed subsidy information includes:
- 10 kg flour bag for Rs 648
- Ghee for Rs 365 per kg
- Sugar for Rs 109 per kg
- Rs 25 per liter subsidy on edible oil
- Rs 25 per kg subsidy on pulses and white gram
- Rs 50 per kg subsidy on gram flour (besan) and dates
- Rs 25 per kg subsidy on Basmati rice, Silah rice, and broken rice
- Rs 100 subsidy on tea (800 grams)
- Rs 30 per liter subsidy on packed milk
Who can benefit from the Ramadan Package?
Only families registered under the BISP PMT-60 category are eligible.
How can non-BISP registered individuals avail of the package?
Non-BISP registered individuals can contact the Programme’s regional offices or designated Utility Stores for assistance.
Are there any limits on the purchase of subsidized items?
While there are limits on certain items for BISP beneficiaries, there is no limit for general consumers.
How can consumers lodge complaints regarding the package?
Consumers can call the helpline number (0800-05590) to lodge complaints or address any concerns.
In addition to providing subsidies to BISP beneficiaries, the USC has also negotiated special discounts with vendors and suppliers for general consumers. This ensures that a wider segment of the population can benefit from reduced prices on essential food items.
During Ramadan, all USC outlets across the country will operate as usual to serve the general public. To address any issues or complaints, a dedicated monitoring cell has been set up at the USC head office, with vigilance teams deployed nationwide for transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
As the USC launches the Rs 7.5 billion Ramadan Package, it underscores the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities during Ramadan. This initiative aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions across Pakistan by offering subsidies on essential food items and ensuring their widespread availability. Let us embrace the spirit of generosity and compassion as we come together to observe this blessed month.