- The Information Ministry readies a summary for collecting Rs15 through power bills.
- The Ministry of Finance notifies a Senate committee about the Information Ministry’s proposals.
- Governor Ahmed of SBP aims to boost remittances through official channels.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has proposed a new measure that might impact every citizen, whether they listen to the radio or not. According to a reports, the ministry has prepared a summary to collect a Rs15 radio license fee through electricity bills.
Additionally, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenues discussed the increase of TV/radio license fees from Rs35 to Rs50. The meeting, led by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla at the Parliament House, also brought up the issue of hundi/hawala, which refers to the illegal money transfer system.
The committee expressed concern over the swelling volume of hundi/hawala, which reportedly handles remittances of $6 billion to $8 billion annually. They believe that stricter measures by the State Bank of Pakistan could help reduce the hundi business.
The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmed, informed the committee that remittances of $27 billion were sent in the last financial year. He further stated that efforts are being made to ensure that all remittances go through the banking channel, a legal and official method.
However, specific details about the volume of remittances coming through hundi/hawala were not shared by the Governor. He attributed the decline in remittances through official channels to inflationary pressures in Western countries and other regions.
In an optimistic turn of events, the Governor expressed his belief that remittances through banking channels would increase in the upcoming months of the current fiscal year. He also mentioned that Pakistan is working to become part of a cross-border payment system in Gulf countries. This participation is expected to facilitate official channels for remittances and boost the country’s economy.
While the proposal to collect a radio license fee through electricity bills might seem like an additional financial burden, it is essential to consider the benefits it can bring. Radio Pakistan plays a crucial role in disseminating information, entertainment, and education to the public. The revenue generated through this fee could contribute to sustaining and improving the quality of radio services.
It is important to remember that public services often require financial support to function efficiently. The proposed radio license fee might be an effort to ensure that Radio Pakistan continues to serve the citizens with valuable content.
However, it is equally vital for the government to maintain transparency and use the funds collected through such fees responsibly. Citizens have the right to know how their money is being utilized for the betterment of public services.
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As this proposal moves forward, it is crucial for the authorities to engage in open communication with the public. They should address concerns, clarify the purpose of the fee, and ensure that the process of fee collection is fair and accessible to everyone.
In conclusion, the proposal to collect a radio license fee through electricity bills has the potential to impact every citizen. While concerns about hundi/hawala should be addressed to promote legal channels for remittances, the radio fee could help sustain and enhance Radio Pakistan’s services. The government must prioritize transparency and effective communication to gain public support for this initiative and ensure the proper utilization of the funds collected.
