Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has said that the project of setting up model bazaars has been started for providing quality edible items at reasonable rates in a hygienic atmosphere for the first time in the history of the country.
Six model bazaars have been completed in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sahiwal and Bahawalpur whereas 20 more such model bazaars would be set up in various cities this year and its scope would be extended to all districts of the province under a phased programme.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Shahbaz Sharif said that setting up of model bazaars is such an excellent project where not only essential items would be available to the citizens according to hygienic principles but other facilities would also be available to the families coming here for shopping.
He disclosed that there would be no role of government departments in the management of these bazaars rather all arrangements would be outsourced. He said that management committees consisting of citizens would be established for these bazaars which will be responsible for all matters including gardening, washrooms, cleanliness and provision of quality items at reasonable rates.
The CM said that setting up of such bazaars for the masses is a vision of Punjab government and we are working speedily for realizing this dream. He said that besides stalls of products of prominent companies, meat, vegetables, fruits, garments and other essential items would be available in these bazaars. He said that the shopkeepers will also be dressed in neat and clean clothes so that the citizens could make shopping in a pleasant atmosphere.
Besides security arrangements, play lands have also been set up for children in model bazaars so that they should not feel boredom while coming for shopping with their parents. He said that separate sections have been set up for the convenience of men and women in model bazaars, he said.
He said that Punjab government has launched Aashiyana Housing Scheme for poor, widows, orphans and common man and transparency has been ensured in these projects and all houses would be allotted through a transparent balloting. He disclosed that stalls and shops would also be allotted in a transparent manner in model bazaars and their rent would also be reasonable. He said that the people of the area would have the first right over shops and stalls in model bazaars but if more applications were received for getting shops and stalls, then balloting will be held in a transparent manner.
Sharif said that Punjab government has announced a special package for providing essential items at concessionary rates to the masses during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak under which 20 kg atta (flour) bag would be available at Rs. 415 and 10 kg at Rs. 210 in Ramzan bazaars. Similarly, fruits, vegetables, ghee, sugar, poultry and other items would also be provided at concessionary rates.
Regarding sugar, he said that Punjab government has demanded 15000 ton sugar from Trading Corporation of Pakistan during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak but it has given no response in this regard so far which is totally injustice with the people of Punjab observing fast. He said that lakhs of ton sugar is available with Trading Corporation of Pakistan.
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