The federal government has decided to extend the Prime Minister’s (PM) relief package at utility stores. This package provides subsidies on essential kitchen items like sugar, ghee, flour, rice, and pulses. The original plan was for this package to end, but due to delays in implementing the new package announced in the 2024-25 budget, the government decided to continue the current package. This extension ensures that people can still buy these vital food items at reduced prices until the new package is ready.
| Key Points | Details |
| Subsidized Items | Sugar, Ghee, Flour, Rice, Pulses |
| Current Package Status | Extended until new package implementation |
| Budget Allocation (2024-25) | Rs 65 billion total |
| Purpose of Extension | To maintain affordability of essential items |
Table of Content
What Is the PM Relief Package?
The PM relief package is a government initiative aimed at helping low-income families by providing subsidies on basic kitchen items. This means that essential goods like sugar, ghee, flour, rice, and pulses are sold at utility stores for prices lower than the market rate. The package is crucial for supporting families who struggle to afford these basic necessities. By extending this package, the government ensures that people continue to receive financial relief during these challenging times.
Key Features of the PM Relief Package:
- Subsidies on essential kitchen items.
- Focus on low-income families.
- Available at utility stores nationwide.
Reasons Behind the Package Extension
The government had planned to introduce a new relief package starting from the fiscal year 2024-25. However, due to administrative delays, the new package could not be implemented as scheduled. To avoid a gap in the support provided to the public, the authorities decided to extend the current package. This extension means that the old subsidies will remain in place until the new package is finalized and approved by the relevant authorities.
Why the Extension Was Necessary:
- Delays in new package implementation.
- Need to continue support for low-income families.
- Prevention of price increases for essential items.
Approval Process for the New Package
The new relief package, once ready, will go through an approval process. A summary of the proposed package will be submitted to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and the Federal Cabinet for their approval. The package is expected to continue offering subsidies on essential items but may include additional features or adjustments based on the current economic situation. Until then, the current package will remain in effect.
Approval Steps:
- Preparation of the new package summary.
- Submission to ECC and Federal Cabinet.
- Final approval and implementation.
Budget Allocation for the PM’s Packages
In the 2024-25 budget, the government allocated Rs 65 billion for relief packages. This amount is divided between the general PM Relief Package and the Ramadan Relief Package. Rs 10 billion has been set aside for the Ramadan Relief Package, which supports people during the holy month, while Rs 55 billion is dedicated to the general PM Relief Package. This budget allocation ensures that the subsidies can continue without interruption.
Budget Breakdown:
- Rs 10 billion for Ramadan Relief Package.
- Rs 55 billion for the general PM Relief Package.
Ongoing Financial Support Under the PM Package
In addition to the relief packages, the government has also allocated Rs 35 billion for ongoing financial support under the PM’s package. This fund is intended to cover the costs of the subsidies and to ensure that the program runs smoothly throughout the year. The allocation demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining affordability for essential food items, even as market prices fluctuate.
Details of Financial Support:
- Rs 35 billion allocated for continuous support.
- Ongoing subsidies on essential items.
- Assurance of affordable prices at utility stores.
Conclusion
The extension of the PM relief package at utility stores is a crucial step in ensuring that low-income families continue to receive the necessary support. With the delay in the new package’s implementation, this extension helps maintain stability and affordability for essential food items. As the government works on finalizing the new package, the continuation of the current subsidies is vital to easing the financial burden on many households.
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FAQs
What are the main items subsidized under the PM’s relief package?
The package primarily subsidizes sugar, ghee, flour, rice, and pulses at utility stores.
Why was the PM relief package extended?
The extension was necessary because the new package announced in the 2024-25 budget has not been implemented yet.
How much budget has been allocated for the PM relief package?
The government allocated Rs 65 billion for the PM’s and Ramadan packages in the 2024-25 budget, with Rs 10 billion for Ramadan and Rs 55 billion for the general relief package.