APROPOS the article ‘Provincial governments advised to expand network of Sasta Bazaar’ (Sept 7). The prices of essential food items should be managed and monitored. The government can introduce the following measures to provide relief to benefit the poor.

A ration card system should be introduced in the country to provide basic essential items at reduced prices to each family. India has a similar system in force which has been working satisfactorily for decades. Pakistan also once had a ration system which was abolished in the late 1980s. The local bodies set up can be a great help in reviving the system.

The ration card system if implemented and properly monitored is the answer to provide some relief to the less privileged.

Prof (retd) Dr Akhlaq Ahmed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2019