The project, since its inception in July 2011, provided Rs189.9 million in grants to 11,928 individuals and 116 organisations. DESIGN: JAHANZAIB HAQUE
This was revealed here on Friday in a presentation made by Smeda. The project, since its inception in July 2011, provided Rs189.9 million in grants to 11,928 individuals and 116 organisations for the restoration of their enterprises and livelihood. The presentation revealed that an average of Rs30,000 per enterprise was provided to entrepreneurs in grants for the overall economic development of the areas affected by floods.
Businesses engaged in the trade of agriculture and livestock inputs, processing of local materials and marketing of produce were given priority in the disbursement of funds. The grants enabled selected entrepreneurs to stabilise their businesses and play their due role in supporting local economic activity and providing requisite goods and services.
Realising the importance of home-based income generating activities, there was a special focus on helping female entrepreneurs. Over Rs38 million in grants was disbursed among 3,106 women engaged in micro-food processing, micro-farming and needle-craft. “Financial aid has given these females hope and they are confident that they can make a positive contribution to income generation for their household,” the presentation claimed.
It further said that Rs43 million had been dedicated for widows, elderly people, orphans and marginalised individuals, who had been identified on the basis of a poverty score and provided with Rs7,120 each, creating opportunities for micro-investments. More than 6,000 individuals benefited from this programme.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 29th, 2012.
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Smeda should also concentrate on Baluchistan. there is allot of potential in the form of minerals. their are so many areas where some small industries can be installed. to take the example, small industries can be developed close to the areas where chromium is being extracted close to Muslim bagh. these industries would really prove to be beneficial as chromite can be processed close to the mines. presently most of the chromite ore is being transported to Karachi for processing creating allot of hurdles. with the installation of plants the processing would be possible and would prove to be economical, moreover this would also create many job opportunities. there are also many other areas where these small industries can be installed