Direct Cash Transfers To BISP Beneficiaries | Govt Replace 4000+ Utility Stores Subsidies
New information has been released by the Federal Government of Pakistan, about the support provided to the beneficiaries of the BISP program following the closure of utility stores in Pakistan. Thus, to facilitate their ability to purchase whatever they need, the government has issued a fresh order stating that BISP beneficiaries who previously received utility store subsidies for essential food items will now receive direct cash transfers into their accounts.
Direct cash to beneficiaries replace utility stores
A different plan will be investigated that involves giving cash transfers to individuals who qualify. Utility Stores Corporation (USC) will be shut down by the federal government.
ایک مختلف منصوبے کی چھان بین کی جائے گی جس میں اہل افراد کو کیش ٹرانسفر دینا شامل ہے۔ یوٹیلیٹی اسٹورز کارپوریشن (یو ایس سی) کو وفاقی حکومت کی جانب سے بند کردیا جائے گا۔ رائٹ سائزنگ کے عمل کے ایک حصے کے طور پر، یہ فیصلہ وزیر اعظم شہباز شریف کی ہدایت پر 16 اگست کو ہونے والے اجلاس میں وزارت صنعت و پیداوار کو منتقل کیا گیا۔
As part of the right-sizing process, the decision was transferred to the Ministry of Industries and Production at a meeting on August 16 under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Latest BISP Update: Government provides direct cash instead of subsidies
As we all know, the government of Pakistan has passed the order to shut down all the utility stores within 2 weeks, which means that the poor people who are currently receiving food items and their monthly rashan at low prices will no longer be able to receive them. Therefore, as an alternative to this relief, the Federal government has announced a new payment system for all the 8171 eligible beneficiaries so that they will not be left behind in this difficult time.
Utility stores across the country will be closed by the government
Recently, the Pakistani government announced that they were considering closing all energy stores in the country, claiming that such actions would drive up costs and that any unnecessary businesses should be closed. According to the secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP), the government is considering closing all utility retailers in the country.
Why the government closing utility stores in Pakistan?
It has been suggested by several senators attending Friday’s meeting of the Standing Committee on Industries and Production that utility stores should be closed. According to the secretary, the issue is still being discussed with the cabinet, but no decision has yet been made on its total closure or devolution to the provinces.
Utility store employees will be transferred to other institutions
USC currently operates more than 4,000 stores across the country.
According to Secretary Saif Anjum, efforts are underway to move utility shop staff members to other organizations in response to a question during the meeting. Despite the fact that utility stores outcompete other companies, he declared that the government wants to get out of non-essential businesses.
There are more than 60,000 jobs at risk!
Aon Abbas Buppi, chair of the Senate standing committee, described it as a “very sad day for the country” in remarks to the media. When he asked the government what their plans were for the utility stores employees, he said they had no plan, noting that about 60,000 workers would be laid off as a result of the decision. The fate of thousands of employees is unknown, he said.
In conclusion
By replacing utility store subsidies with direct cash transfers, the government hopes to improve the purchasing options for BISP beneficiaries. However, the closure of over 4,000 utility stores nationwide raises concerns about the future of 60,000 employees at risk of unemployment.