The caretaker government would start the Rs7.492 billion worth of Ramzan Relief Package from March 4, aimed at providing relief to the targeted beneficiaries on 19 essential items, Business Recorder reported.

Basic food items would be distributed through Utility Stores Corporation.

It was decided at the Economic Coordination Committee on a summary moved by the industries and production ministry.

According to sources, the ministry has already allocated Rs5 billion for Ramzan Relief Package-2024 during the current fiscal year 2023-24 and the remaining Rs2.492 billion shall be re-appropriated from the current fiscal year budget allocations for Prime Minister Relief Package.

The holy month is expected to start on March 11.

The government has allocated Rs35 billion in the budget for the financial year 2023-24 for subsidy on essential items for implementation of PMRP 2023-2024 and Ramzan Relief Package 2024 through the USC.

The USC is selling subsidised items to the 26.92 million households registered with the BISP under PMT-40.