ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the authorities concerned to finalise the new mechanism for providing targeted subsidies to vulnerable segments of the society at the earliest so that it could be formally launched next month.
The prime minister said this on Monday while speaking at a briefing on the new system being devised to provide subsidies to the weaker segments of the society by the government.
He said that under the targeted subsidy, the deserving segments of the society will be provided financial assistance for purchasing essential commodities. For this purpose, he added, the government is committed to providing all financial resources.
Appreciating the officials concerned for preparing a mechanism to provide targeted subsidy, he said equal subsidy to both the rich and the poor is not only wastage of the government resources but it also deprives the deserving ones.
Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Sania Nishtar told the meeting that Ehsaas Survey has been done by ninety-two percent and it will be completed by the end of this month.
The meeting was apprised that the purpose of introducing a targeted subsidy system is to provide financial assistance to millions of people in purchase of essential commodities. The PM appreciated the efforts and directed to complete the survey soon.
The session was attended by Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, PM’s Advisor on Revenue Waqar Masood, President of National Bank of Pakistan Arif Usmani and others.
Separately, chairing a meeting to review progress in the anti-Covid-19 vaccination drive on Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed satisfaction over the drive in the country.
The prime minister stressed the need for timely vaccination and adherence to the standard operating procedures to prevent the spread of pandemic. He called for collective efforts by institutions and people to avert the Indian-like situation due to the pandemic.
The meeting was apprised that the number of vaccination centres has been doubled and mobile teams have been increased from 48 to 600. The meeting was also informed that over 10 million citizens have so far been vaccinated, which is a significant milestone. Furthermore, the public and private organisations are also ensuring vaccination of their staff.
“All government, semi-government and private institutions are working towards ensuring 100 percent vaccination of their employees,” the session was informed. “The work is also going on to enhance the capability of the vaccine centres,” the session was informed.
The session was informed that Covid-19 vaccination of the 50 percent employees of the Ministry of Education has been completed. A public awareness campaign has been launched in collaboration with the private sector. The coronavirus vaccination centres have been formed at government and the privately owned hospitals, the meeting was further informed.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Asad Umar, Hamad Azhar, Faisal Sultan, Shaikh Rashid and Azam Swati, and top government officials.
