Closure Of Utility Stores In 2 Weeks: A Major Setback For BISP Beneficiaries

This is a shocking and sad news for BISP beneficiaries who receive Rashan from utility stores as part of the 8171 Benazir Income Support program. Pakistan’s government has ordered all utility stores to close within two weeks, which could negatively impact many employees, including BISP beneficiaries. Are these true news stories? Check out what follows to learn more about it!

Millions of people are at risk as the government plans Closure Of utility stores nationwide

It has been reported that the Pakistan Government is considering closing all utility stores in Pakistan in light of the fact that it only increases expenses, and also stating that the government wishes to end unnecessary businesses. According to the secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP), the government is considering closing all of the nation’s utility stores.

بتایا گیا ہے کہ حکومت پاکستان اس حقیقت کی روشنی میں پاکستان میں تمام یوٹیلٹی سٹورز کو بند کرنے پر غور کر رہی ہے کہ اس سے صرف اخراجات بڑھتے ہیں، اور یہ بھی کہا گیا ہے کہ حکومت غیر ضروری کاروبار کو ختم کرنا چاہتی ہے۔ وزارت صنعت و پیداوار (MoIP) کے سیکرٹری کے مطابق حکومت ملک کے تمام یوٹیلیٹی اسٹورز کو بند کرنے پر غور کر رہی ہے۔

پاکستان بھر میں یوٹیلٹی اسٹورز کو بند کرنے کے حکومتی فیصلے کی وجہ سے، بی آئی ایس پی سے مستفید ہونے والوں کو یہ جان کر دکھ ہوا کہ انہیں سبسڈی والی اشیائے خوردونوش جیسے گھی، آٹا اور چنی پوری قیمت پر خریدنا ہوں گی۔ مہنگائی کے اس دور میں بے نظیر انکم سپورٹ پروگرام کی وجہ سے ہزاروں خواتین اپنی اشیائے ضروریہ انتہائی کم قیمتوں پر حاصل کرنے میں کامیاب ہوئی ہیں۔

BISP beneficiaries cannot afford subsidised essentials

Due to the government’s decision to shut down Utility Stores across Pakistan, BISP beneficiaries were saddened to learn that they would have to purchase subsidized food items like Ghee, Atta, and Chinni at full price. In this era of high inflation, thousands of women have been able to get their essential foods at very low prices because of the Benazir Income Support Program.

Employees to Be Relocated – Says MoIP Secretary

According to MoIP Secretary Saif Anjum, efforts are being made to relocate staff from utility stores to other institutions, and the government is considering closing the stores.

According to him, the government wants to get out of non-essential businesses, and by helping utilities stores, the competition environment was destroyed. Around 11,000 workers, including 6,000 permanent employees, are concerned about the closure of utility outlets.

A subsidy of Rs50 billion will be held by the government to relieve 26 million people

Subsidies, which offered savings of up to 25% on necessities like rice, sugar, ghee, flour, and lentils, were already ended. As a result, low-income households will no longer have access to their savings.

A package for the impacted workers is being considered in the action plan being developed for the closure of the businesses, according to the industry secretary.

Punjab protests over utility store closures

Upon being informed of the effects of utility retailers closing, the standing committees will be asked to raise the issue in parliament. In the sources’ opinion, millions of low-income people who have traditionally relied on reduced items would be adversely affected.

As a response to the government’s decision, utility workers protested outside their regional headquarters at Scheme Mor in Lahore. With signs in hand and shouts in their voices, they asked the government to reverse its decision.

In conclusion

As a result of the government’s decision to close utility stores nationwide, millions of low-income BISP beneficiaries will lose access to subsidized essentials, and thousands of employees may face uncertain futures.