Utility Stores Will Not Be Shut Down, Only “Restructured” | Good News For BISP Beneficiaries:
Here is the latest update for all the BISP beneficiaries who have been tensed for many days after hearing the news from the government about the closure of Utility Stores in the Country. According to the latest information, the Minister has announced that Utility Stores will not be closed, but will be “restructured” so that only eligible beneficiaries will receive subsidized food.
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Government to restructure utility stores | Latest Statement
Since the news about closure of utility stores has spread across the nation, a layer of anger and anxiety has prevailed across the country, leading to protests from utility store employees.
یوٹیلیٹی سٹور کی بندش کی خبر ملک بھر میں پھیلنے کے بعد سے ملک بھر میں غم و غصے کی ایک پرت چھائی ہوئی ہے جس کے باعث یوٹیلٹی سٹور کے ملازمین سراپا احتجاج ہیں۔ رانا تنویر حسین نے ہفتے کے روز اس بات کی تردید کی کہ یوٹیلیٹی سٹورز بند ہو رہے ہیں، یہ کہتے ہوئے کہ حکومت کمپنی کی “ریسٹرکچر” کرنے کا ارادہ رکھتی ہے کیونکہ یوٹیلیٹی اسٹورز کارپوریشن (USC) کے ملازمین نے ملک بھر میں احتجاج کیا۔
Rana Tanveer Hussain denied on Saturday that utility stores were closing, stating the government intended to “restructure” the company as employees of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) protested nationwide.
The stores will only provide subsidised food to eligible beneficiaries
Utility stores are not closing. “It is false to believe that they are closing.” After launching the 9th Colour and Chem Expo at the Lahore International Expo Centre, the minister said, “USC is being restructured to ensure that only deserving people receive relief and price discounts on essential food items and groceries.”
According to Hussian, the government provides subsidies to the poor through the Baitul Maal and Benazir Income Support Programs, emphasizing that subsidies have been misused in the past.
Muzaffargarh & Other Regions USC Staff Protest
There was a protest by USC employees in Muzaffargarh against the closure of the organization. The workers chanted slogans outside the press club criticizing the government’s decision, claiming it would result in thousands of job losses. If the administration did not change its mind, they threatened to start a larger movement.
Similar protests were documented at Chishtian, Jahanian, and Jalalpur Pirwala.
Utility stores are closing across the country due to a variety of reasons
As part of the rightsizing of federal ministries and the organizations under them, utility retailers will be closed. USC operates over 4,000 stores around the country and offers essential items at discounted prices. As part of the government’s privatization plan, it is among the governmental enterprises that will be sold.
As part of Friday’s Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production meeting, utility store closures were also discussed. According to Saif Anjum, the government is still debating whether to close the matter fully or transfer control to the provinces.
In conclusion
BISP beneficiaries who depend on Utility Stores for affordable essentials will benefit from the recent announcement made by the government. While there were concerns about the closure of these stores, it has been clarified that they will not close, but will undergo restructuring. By changing this policy, only eligible individuals will receive subsidies for food and groceries, preventing the misuse of these funds.