The Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package 2024, amounting to Rs 7.5 billion and set to be launched by the Utility Store Corporation (USC), represents a significant step to alleviate the financial burden on vulnerable populations during the holy month of Ramadan. The special subsidy of Rs 7.5 billion will cover 19 essential food items, including staples such as flour, ghee, edible oil, sugar, pulses, and tea, among others.
رمضان المبارک کے موقع پر پنجاب کے عوام کے لئے بڑے تحفے کی تقسیم کا آغاز
رمضان نگہبان ریلیف پیکج ، آپ کا حق آپ کی دہلیز پر پہنچانے کا عمل شروع ہوگیا
وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نوازشریف کی زیرصدارت رمضان پیکج کی شفاف تقسیم اور مانیٹرنگ پر اجلاس
رمضان پیکج کی شفاف انداز میں مستحقین کو… pic.twitter.com/bcBqo4XH8L
— PMLN (@pmln_org) March 5, 2024
The targeted subsidy is aimed at benefiting poor families registered under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in the PMT-60 category. Approximately 200 million people falling under this category will have access to discounted prices on key food items. The USC, responsible for implementing the relief package, has outlined specific subsidies, such as Rs 648 for a 10 kg flour bag, Rs 365 per kg for ghee, and Rs 109 per kg for sugar.
For BISP beneficiaries, the relief extends to Rs 25 per liter on edible oil and Rs 25 per kg on pulse gram and white gram. Additional discounts include Rs 50 per kg on besan and dates, Rs 25 per kg on specific rice varieties, Rs 100 on 800g of tea, and Rs 30 per liter on packed milk. Spices and beverages will also be available at reduced prices, further enhancing the affordability of these items.
USC and Ramadan Relief
Crucially, the USC is dedicated to ensuring an ample supply of all food items at its outlets to meet the demands of the public during Ramadan. BISP families will receive specific quantities of certain items, and there are no purchase restrictions on other food items, fostering flexibility for families to cater to their unique needs.
In a bid to extend the benefits beyond BISP, the USC has negotiated special discounts with vendors and suppliers on over 1,000 items. These discounts, ranging up to 15 percent, will be available across all USC outlets, making essential items more affordable for the general public.
Throughout Ramadan, all USC outlets will remain open, providing essential items at subsidized prices. The USC has implemented measures to ensure transparency, including a monitoring cell at its headquarters and vigilance teams deployed across Pakistan. The commitment to addressing public concerns is further demonstrated through a dedicated helpline number (0800-05590).
As the USC launches the Prime Minister’s Ramadan Relief Package, it reflects a comprehensive and concerted effort to support vulnerable populations, maintain fairness, and uphold the integrity of the relief initiative during the sacred month of Ramadan.
