Last Updated on: 26th August 2024, 03:21 pm
If you are worried about the latest news about possible closures of utility stores, here is some reassuring news. The new government update reveals that utility stores will not close. Instead, they will be restructured to make sure that only eligible beneficiaries get the subsidized food items.
Govt decides to restructure utility stores, not close them
Recent rumors of utility stores being closed have created a huge stir and sparked protests by store employees across the country. Industries and Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain cleared up the confusion on Saturday. He announced that public service stores would not be closed but would be restructured. The change is to make sure that only eligible people will get subsidies on essential items. BenazirKafaalat.pk
Subsidize food items for only eligible BISP beneficiaries.
Hussain pointed out that the government is already supporting the poor through schemes like Baitul Maal and Benazir Income Support Programmes. He mentioned that misuse of these subsidies was a continuous issue, hence the need for restructuring.
In Muzaffargarh and other areas, USC employees protested against the announced closure. They gathered outside press clubs and expressed their concerns, saying such a move could lead to job losses. Similar protests were also reported in Chishtian, Jahanian, and Jalalpur Pirwala.
Also Read: Govt Provides Direct Cash Transfers To BISP Beneficiaries Instead of Utility Stores
Why to restructure the utility stores
The government plans to resize federal ministries and their organizations, including the Utility Stores Corporation (USC). With more than 4,000 stores across the country, USC offers essential items at discounted prices. The restructuring is part of a broader plan that may include the closure or transfer of control of some government enterprises.
Also Read: BISP Program disbursed more than Rs 300Bn to 9.5M beneficiaries
Last Words
The recent announcement comes as a relief to BISP beneficiaries who depend on these stores to buy affordable daily necessities. Despite fears of closure, it has been confirmed that utility stores will remain open, but there will be changes. The objective is to make sure that only people who really need help benefit from subsidized items, thus avoiding any misuse of funding.