ABBOTTABAD: An amount of over Rs395 million has been distributed among 26,316 deserving people under the Prime Minister’s Ehsaas cash assistance programme in the Abbottabad district from April 9 till date.

According to a statement issued from the deputy commissioner’s office on Friday, a total of 13 cash distribution centres were established closely monitored by the deputy commissioner himself and the monitoring teams headed by respective assistant commissioners and additional assistant commissioners.

The statement said about 200 shopkeepers were fined for violating the lockdown. Besides, 19 traders were booked for overcharging consumers.

It said to pass on the benefits of reduction in oil prices, a price review committee set up in consultation with the traders had reduced rates of eatables from Rs3 to Rs5. The rate of ‘roti’ has been increased from 120 to 150 grams.

The statement said fares on the inter-city routes had been also revised and would be implemented after the easing of lockdown.

It said a special team was carrying out disinfectant spray in all the city areas, especially the fruit market, bazaars and other places and at the cash distribution points.

It said extraordinary care was being done to the coronavirus patients at the quarantine centre and quality food was being given to them.

POLICE MOBILE APP: Over 1,000 users have downloaded the Abbottabad police’s mobile app during the first week of its launch.

The police said at least 12 people got information and help related to coronavirus pandemic and at least 45 messages were received on different issues which were swiftly acted upon.

Over 160 cases were registered over lockdown violations, besides action was taken on complaints about unlawful activities by criminals.

District police officer Javed Iqbal lauded the efforts of police’s IT department for launching and making successful the mobile app, which is easy to operate.

He also urged the general public to get maximum use of the app to help improve the policing in the district.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2020