Merit, transparency be ensured in distributing funds: Punjab official.

TAXILA -- Merit and transparency should be ensured in the disbursement of funds under the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme and eligible families should be treated with respect at distribution centres, Punjab Social Welfare Secretary Zahid Saleem Gondal said on Wednesday.

Mr Gondal was speaking during a visit to an Ehsaas Kafalat Programme cash disbursement centre in the Attock tehsil council, where he reviewed arrangements and payment delivery services.

He also asked visitors for their financial information and valid CNICs, as well as reviewing seating arrangements, the medical camp and drinking water facilities.

On directions from the Punjab chief minister, 27 secretaries have been told to monitor ongoing wheat procurement and activities to control Covid-19, dengue, locusts and the prices of essential commodities in the province's nine divisions.

Mr Gondal is responsible for the Rawalpindi division.

He said that Rs10 billion have been earmarked by the provincial government to assist 2.5 million families affected by the coronavirus under the Punjab Insaaf Imdad Programme.

Mr Gondal held a meeting earlier in the day at the deputy commissioner's office, where he was briefed on measures taken by the district administration regarding payments under the emergency cash programme, coronavirus and dengue prevention, wheat procurement and anti-smuggling and price hikes and price monitoring at mandis.

Deputy Commissioner Ali Annan Qammar said the district...