Good News for BISP Beneficiaries: Utility Stores Will Not Be Shut Down, Only “Restructured”

Here is the latest update for all the BISP Beneficaires who have been tensed for many days after listening to the news from the government about the closure of Utility Stores in the Country, according to the most recent information the Minister has announced that Utility Stores Will not be shut down but it will be “Restructured” so that only eligible beneficiaries can receive the subsidized food from stores.

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Utility Stores To Be Restructured – Government’s Latest Statement

When the news about the closure of utility stores has been spread across the nation then a layer of anger and anxiousness has prevailed across the nation due to which many protests from the utility store workers have been done.

یوٹیلیٹی سٹورز کی بندش کی خبر ملک بھر میں پھیلی تو ملک بھر میں غم و غصے کی ایک پرت چھا گئی جس کے باعث یوٹیلٹی سٹورز کے ملازمین کی جانب سے کئی بار احتجاج بھی کیا گیا۔وزیر صنعت و پیداوار رانا تنویر حسین نے ہفتے کے روز اس بات کی تردید کی کہ یوٹیلیٹی سٹورز بند نہیں ہو رہے، یہ کہتے ہوئے کہ حکومت کمپنی کی “ریسٹرکچر” کرنے کا ارادہ رکھتی ہے کیونکہ یوٹیلیٹی اسٹورز کارپوریشن (USC) کے کارکنوں نے ملک بھر میں احتجاج کیا۔

Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain denied on Saturday that utility stores are not closing, stating that the government intends to “restructure” the company as workers of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) staged protests nationwide.

Only Eligible Beneficiaries Will Receive Subsidized Food From The Stores

“It is false to believe that utility stores are closing. After launching the 9th Colour and Chem Expo at the Lahore International Expo Centre, the minister told the media, “The USC is being restructured to ensure that only deserving people receive relief and price discounts on essential food items and groceries.”

Mr. Hussian stated that the government was already giving subsidies to the poor through the Baitul Maal and Benazir Income Support Programs, emphasizing that the misuse of subsidies has been a recurring problem in the nation.

USC Staff Protest In Muzaffargarh & Other Regions

USC employees in Muzaffargarh staged a protest against the organization’s planned closure. Several workers assembled outside the press club and chanted slogans criticizing the government’s decision, claiming it would result in thousands of job losses. They threatened to start a bigger movement if the administration didn’t change its mind.

Protests of a similar nature were documented at Chishtian, Jahanian, and Jalalpur Pirwala.

Reason Behind The Closure Of Utility Stores Across the Nation

The rightsizing of federal ministries and the organizations housed under them includes the closure of utility retailers. Operating over 4,000 stores around the country, the USC is a state-owned corporation that offers essential items to people at discounted prices. In the initial stage of the government’s privatization plan, it is one of the governmental enterprises designated for sale.

Utility store closures were another topic of discussion at Friday’s Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production meeting. In response, Secretary of Industries and Production Saif Anjum stated that the government was still debating whether to fully close the matter or transfer control to the provinces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent announcement by the government brings relief to BISP beneficiaries who rely on Utility Stores for affordable essentials. While there were concerns about the closure of these stores, it has been clarified that they will not shut down but will undergo restructuring. This change aims to ensure that only eligible individuals receive subsidized food and grocery items, preventing the misuse of subsidies.