By Karim Madad Islamabad, March 24 (INP-WealthPK): The federal government has announced a Ramadan package of Rs8.2 billion which would be implemented through the Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USC) for provision of essential food items to a large number of people across the country, especially the poor people. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved the relief package on March 15, according to WealthPK. The relief package — presented by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research (MNFS&R) — was approved by the cabinet for the whole population of the country rather than just 20 million households registered with the Ehsaas Rashan Riyat Programme. Last year, the government had announced a Rs7.8 billion Ramadan package. Under the Rs8.2 billion relief package, the USC will subsidize more than 19 essential items including wheat flour, sugar, ghee, oil, pulses (channa, moong, mash), baisen, rice, tea, milk. The ordinary people have appreciated the government for allocating a big amount of Rs8.2 billion for purchase of essential food items on subsidized rates across the country. “I peddle fruit and have four children who are school-going. The Ramadan relief package will definitely give me relief in purchase of food items through the USC. I appreciate it,’’ Akram Zaman told WealthPK. He said with a meagre income, it was not possible to purchase food items from the open market and this facility will benefit him and his family. He suggested that this facility should continue through the USC for the benefit of poor people. “Burgeoning inflation has put additional burden on the pocket of people, especially the salaried class and those doing small businesses. The Ramadan relief package would help lessen economic burden on the low income group,‘’ said Ahmed Khan, a local school teacher. He suggested that all shopkeepers, whether small or big, should also announce Ramadan relief packages to win Allah Almighty's pleasures.