ECC meeting to discuss eight-point agenda postponed

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) scheduled to discuss eight-point agenda was postponed on Wednesday. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh was to preside over the meeting. On Tuesday, the federal cabinet had approved a subsidy of two billion rupees per month for a period of five months to Utility Stores Corporation (USC) for provision of edible items of daily use to the people at affordable rates. Giving a briefing about cabinet meeting to the journalists, Special Assistant on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said that this package will help ensure availability of flour, sugar, rice and pulses among other edible items at USC outlets at reasonable rates. 20 kg flour bag to be sold at Rs800 The USC has been further directed that 20 kg flour bag be sold at 800 rupees while pulses at 15-20 per cent less prices than market. She said the government will also devise a strategy to keep a check on prices of essential edible items. She said government's economic team, ministry of commerce and other institutions including USC gave a detailed briefing to the premier. Cabinet gives approval to lift ban on import of sugar The special assistant also mentioned that the cabinet gave approval to lift ban on import of sugar to ensure supply of this commodity. She said export of sugar has been banned and a strategy is being devised to remove regulatory duty on this commodity. 4.3mln women being given Rs2000 monthly under Ehsaas program Firdous Ashiq Awan further said that 4.3 million women are being given two thousand rupees monthly under Ehsaas program. The number will reach by 70 million by end of this year, benefitting 46.9 people will benefit.