The Punjab government is working on setting up a new agency to tackle inflation and hoarding. This agency, the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority (PERA), aims to ensure that people in Punjab can afford necessities and aren’t taken advantage of by businesses.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recently expressed concern about delays in getting PERA up and running. She called a meeting to discuss the legal requirements for establishing PERA immediately. The conference also focused on enforcing the rules effectively and tracking how well PERA works.

Taking action against hoarders and illegal businesses

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of stopping companies from hoarding goods, which can increase prices. She said that PERA will not allow anyone to manipulate the market for personal gain at the expense of ordinary people.

PERA’s Structure

With central authorities and teams in every district, PERA will be present throughout Punjab. Under the direction of a board that includes high-ranking government officials in every district, the Deputy Commissioner administers these district teams.

At local levels, enforcement agents will be assigned to divisions known as tehsils. Along with a staff of around forty, these officials will monitor daily market and store pricing of everyday items. They can intervene against companies either overcharging or attempting consumer cheating.

Removing illegal structures to create space

PERA will also address the problem of illegal structures blocking streets and marketplaces. These structures can make it difficult and unpleasant for people to go about their shopping and create congestion. PERA’s enforcement teams will take steps to remove these illegal structures and make space for people to move around freely. The cost of eliminating these structures will be charged to the people who put them up in the first place.

Transparency and accountability

To provide a fair and balanced approach, PERA will comprise government officials, representatives from the Provincial Assembly (lawmakers), and independent members. There will also be an appeals procedure so companies that feel mistreated may contest any PERA judgment.

Clear targets for the length of time appeals should take at various tiers are being set by the Punjab administration. This would guarantee fast resolution of issues and avoidance of undue delays in enterprises.

Setting up PERA allows the Punjab government to build a system that safeguards consumers and facilitates the affordability of the necessities. Close monitoring of PERA will help ensure it operates as it should and that people living all over Punjab are gaining.