Government Announces Major Relief Package for Public: 300% Increase in Utility Store Subsidies

he federal government has unveiled plans to introduce a substantial relief package through Utility Stores, aimed at easing the financial burden on the public. Central to this initiative is a significant 300 percent increase in subsidies for essential items, reflecting the government’s commitment to public welfare. Under the new plan, a Rs. 100 per kilogram subsidy will be offered on pulses, chickpeas, broken rice, and ghee, while sugar will also be subsidized at state-run outlets.

The current model for the flour subsidy under the Prime Minister’s relief package will remain unchanged. The summary of the new package has been sent to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for approval, and implementation will follow after receiving the green light from both the ECC and the federal cabinet. The new package is expected to take effect on August 1.

Currently, the Prime Minister’s package subsidizes five basic items at utility stores, including sugar, ghee, flour, rice, and pulses. The budget has allocated a total of Rs. 65 billion for these subsidies, a significant increase from the Rs. 35 billion allocated last fiscal year. This increase underscores the government’s priority on public welfare and its response to public demand for more substantial support amid rising costs of living and inflation.

Utility stores will play a crucial role in distributing these subsidized items, and the government expects them to handle increased demand efficiently. The relief package is part of a broader strategy to support low-income families, stabilize prices of essential items, and improve economic conditions overall. Public awareness campaigns may be launched to inform citizens about the new subsidies, ensuring they can take full advantage of the relief provided.

The ECC’s approval is a crucial step, and with the federal cabinet’s endorsement, the relief package is anticipated to have a positive impact on household budgets, making daily necessities more affordable. This initiative highlights the government’s substantial financial commitment to public welfare, aiming to provide immediate economic relief to the public.

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