Buzdar okays launch of Employment Scheme
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has approved Punjab Employment Scheme worth Rs.30 billion. In this regard, MD PSIC gave a briefing to the CM about the salient features of the scheme and informed the participants that an online portal has also been created in collaboration with the PITB.
Giving details of this initiative, the chief minister stated this scheme is aimed at developing small and medium enterprises and restoration of corona-affected businesses in the province. Under the scheme, soft loan up to one crore rupees will be provided for existing business or launch of the new venture and the transgender community, along with men and women, are eligible to apply. The rate of mark up for womenfolk is kept less, he added.
The CM directed to launch this scheme in the current month as businesses have been affected due to corona and the government is going to provide a major relief to the affectees. He directed to ruminate about further reducing the mark-up rate along with the processing of applications in the minimum period. Special initiatives should be included in this scheme to boost the rural economy, the CM added.
This initiative will provide the necessary skills to the youth for honourable earning opportunities and the provision of soft loans facility will boost the industrial sector, the CM concluded.
Provincial Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, ACS (Urbanization), Chairman P&D, secretaries of finance and industries departments attended the meeting while Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht and BOP President participated through video-link.
Meanwhile, Chairman All Pakistan Private Sector's Universities Ch. Abdul Rehman called on Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at the assembly chamber here on Tuesday and discussed matters about the promotion of higher education in the province. The CM appreciated the role played by the private sector adding that meeting of higher education reforms committee will be called soon and he will personally review the matters pertaining to this committee.