Govt Announces Closure of Utility Stores In 2 Weeks: A Major Setback For BISP Beneficiaries
For all of the BISP Beneficiaries who are getting utility store-subsidized Rashan as part of the 8171 Benazir Income Support program, this is sad and shocking news. The government of Pakistan has ordered the closing of all the utility stores within two weeks, which might have a major negative impact on a large number of employees, including BISP Beneficiaries. Is this true news? Examine more about it in the paragraphs that follow!
Govt Plans Closure Of Utility Stores Nationwide: Millions of People At Risk
According to the most recent news by the Government of Pakistan, they are considering closing all the utility stores in Pakistan stating that it only increases the expenses and also stating that the government wants to wrap up the unnecessary business. On Friday, the secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP) announced that the government was thinking of closing all of the nation’s utility stores.
حکومت پاکستان کی جانب سے تازہ ترین خبروں کے مطابق، وہ پاکستان میں تمام یوٹیلیٹی اسٹورز کو بند کرنے پر غور کر رہے ہیں جس میں کہا گیا ہے کہ اس سے صرف اخراجات بڑھتے ہیں اور یہ بھی کہتے ہیں کہ حکومت غیر ضروری کاروبار کو سمیٹنا چاہتی ہے۔ جمعہ کے روز، وزارت صنعت و پیداوار (MoIP) کے سیکرٹری نے اعلان کیا کہ حکومت ملک کے تمام یوٹیلٹی اسٹورز کو بند کرنے کے بارے میں سوچ رہی ہے۔
پاکستان بھر میں یوٹیلیٹی سٹورز کی بندش پر، بی آئی ایس پی کے ان تمام مستحقین میں ایک افسوسناک خبر پھیل گئی جو سبسڈی والی اشیائے خوردونوش جیسے گھی، آٹا اور چنی حاصل کرتے تھے، حکومت کے فیصلوں کی وجہ سے انہیں پوری قیمت پر خریدنا پڑے گا۔ بے نظیر انکم سپورٹ پروگرام ہزاروں خواتین کو انتہائی کم قیمتوں پر اپنی ضروری اشیا حاصل کرنے کے قابل بناتا ہے جو کہ اس مہنگائی کے اس دور میں ان کے لیے ایک بڑا ریلیف تھا۔
Subsidized Essentials Out of Reach for BISP Beneficiaries
Upon closure of Utility Stores across Pakistan, a piece of sad news prevailed among all the BISP Beneficiaries who used to receive subsidized food items like Ghee, Atta, and Chinni will have to buy it in a full prices because of the government’s decisions. The Benazir Income Support Program enables thousands of women to get their essential foods at very low prices which was a big relief for them in this era of high inflation.
Employees to Be Relocated – Says MoIP Secretary
In response, MoIP Secretary Saif Anjum stated that efforts were on to relocate utility store staff to other institutions and that the government was thinking of closing the nation’s utility stores.
“Government wants to get out of non-essential businesses,” he stated, going on to say that by helping utilities stores, the environment for competition was destroyed. The management of utility outlets reported that around 11,000 workers, including 6,000 permanent employees, are concerned about the possible closure.
Govt To Hold Rs50 Billion Subsidy Allocated to Relief 26 Million People
The subsidy, which offered savings of up to 25% on necessities like rice, sugar, ghee, flour, and lentils, has already been terminated. Now that these products are being marketed at standard market costs, low-income households will no longer be able to rely on their savings.
According to the industry secretary, a package for the impacted workers is being considered as part of the action plan being developed for the closure of the businesses.
Protests Over Utility Store Closures In Punjab
The sources stated that the standing committees would be requested to bring up the matter in parliament after being informed of the effects of utility retailers closing. The sources said that millions of low-income people who have traditionally depended on reduced items would be negatively impacted by the move.
Employees of utility stories protested outside their regional headquarters at Scheme Mor in Lahore in response to the government’s decision. With signs in hand and shouts in their voices, the demonstrators asked that the government reverse its choice.
Conclusion
The government’s decision to close utility stores nationwide has sparked widespread concern. Millions of low-income BISP beneficiaries will lose access to subsidized essentials, and thousands of employees face uncertain futures despite reassurances of relocation.
