ECC approves additional 200,000MT of wheat for utility stores

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet at the Cabinet Division on Monday. During the meeting, the ECC approved the allocation of additional 200,000 MT of wheat for Utility Stores Corporation from PASSCO, the approved quantity will be released in tranches. The first tranche will be of 50,000MT, which would be released immediately; the rest will be released on demand by the USC. The total cost of this package is Rs8.690 billion, including incidental charges of Rs1.690 billion. Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh also directed that the record of the USC and PASSCO may be completely computerized so that it may ensure transparency and facilitate decision making. There was also a discussion in the ECC on data collection from private flour mills in order to ascertain the correct situation of demand and supply of wheat/atta in the country and to ensure accuracy in decision making. Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh also asked the Poverty Alleviation Division to ensure transparency and efficiency in disbursement of funds to the vulnerable in wake of COVID-19 situation in the country. Secretary Poverty Alleviation Social Safety Division assured the ECC that no one would be allowed to swindle the poor people of this country, he further informed that the multiple arrests have already been made and exemplary punishment will be given to those who will cheat the poor. The Division also briefed the ECC that so far 1.7 million families have been paid under the Ehsaas program and payments to remaining families are underway.