ISLAMABAD, Nov 08 (DNA): Government has decided to immediately provide
six billion rupees to the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) to ensure
provision of essential items including flour, ghee, sugar, rice and
pulses to the people at reduced rates.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan
in Islamabad on Friday.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister said it is the priority of the
government to provide relief to the masses. It is our utmost effort to
provide special relief to the lower income and poverty stricken groups.

Imran Khan said the government took difficult decisions in view of the
difficult economic situation. These decisions however helped stabilize
the economy. He said the economic indicators have improved and these
will improve further in the days to come.

He said despite difficult situation, every possible effort will be made
to provide relief to the masses.

The Prime Minister directed the administration of Utility Stores
Corporation to ensure immediate provision of essential commodities to
the people after receiving the amount of six billion rupees to it.

Minister for Communications Murad Saeed told the meeting that the vast
network of Pakistan Post could also be used to provide essential
commodities to the masses. He said Pakistan Post will also soon launch a
home delivery service to supply essential items to the people at their
doorsteps.

The Chairman and Managing Director of Utility Stores Corporation told
the Prime Minister said provision of six billion rupees to the
corporation will help visibly bring down the prices of essential
commodities.

The Prime Minister was informed that the funds will help reduce the
twenty kg flour bag price by 132 rupees, sugar nine rupees per kilogram,
ghee thirty rupees per kg, twenty rupees rice per kilogram and the
prices of pulses will also go down by fifteen rupees.

The Prime Minister was also informed about the steps being taken to
check corruption in the Utility Stores Corporation and ensure adequate
supplies of essential commodities at the utility outlets.

The Prime Minister directed that information technology should be used
to check corruption in the Utility Stores.