Utility Stores Will Not Be Shut Down Only “Restructured”
An important update for the BISP beneficiaries who are worried about the recent news regarding the possible closure of utility stores is that the minister has announced that the utility stores will not be closed but will undergo a restructuring process. The aim is to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries can access subsidized food from these outlets.
Utility Stores To Be Restructured
The recent news of the closure of the Department of Utility Stores has sparked widespread anger and outrage, leading to nationwide protests by Utility Stores Corporation workers. On Saturday, Industries and Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain clarified that utility stores Instead, the government plans to set up a Utility Stores Corporation to address concerns and streamline the system.
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Only Eligible Beneficiaries Will Receive Subsidized Food
Speaking at the launch of the 9th Color and Game Expo at the Lahore International Expo Centre, the Minister said that it is wrong to think that utility stores are closing and he assured the media that the Utility Stores Corporation is being restructured so that to ensure that only the beneficiaries will get discounted prices on essential Asia food and non-food items.
Protests by USC Staff Across Various Regions
Employees of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) in Muzaffargarh have staged a protest against the organization’s proposed closure. Workers gathered outside the press club, voicing their opposition through chants and slogans that criticized the government’s decision. They argued that the closure could lead to significant job losses, threatening to escalate their protests if the government does not reconsider.
Similar demonstrations have been reported in Chishtian, Jahanian, and Jalalpur Pirwala.
Reasons for the Utility Store Closures Nationwide
As part of the government’s effort to streamline federal ministries and associated organizations, the closure of utility stores is on the agenda. The USC, a state-owned entity with over 4,000 stores nationwide, provides essential goods at discounted rates. It is among the governmental enterprises slated for privatization in the initial phase of this plan.
During a recent Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production meeting, the topic of utility store closures was discussed. Secretary of Industries and Production Saif Anjum mentioned that the government is still deliberating whether to close the stores entirely or transfer their management to provincial authorities.
Conclusion
The recent government announcement has provided some relief to BISP beneficiaries who depend on Utility Stores for affordable necessities. Although there were concerns about the stores closing, it has been clarified that they will not be shut down but will undergo restructuring. This restructuring is intended to ensure that only eligible individuals benefit from subsidized goods, addressing issues of subsidy misuse.
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