Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Punjab’s Minister for Industries and Commerce, presided over the 129th meeting of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) at the PSIC House in Lahore. The meeting focused on a 13-point agenda to promote small industries and entrepreneurship in Punjab. Key decisions included the approval of new business schemes, auctioning redundant properties, and reducing fees for business formalities. The government aims to enhance industrialization and provide employment opportunities through these initiatives.
| Key Decisions | Details |
| CM Asan Karobar and Karobar Card Schemes | Interest-free loans from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 30 million for businesses. |
| Auction of Redundant Properties | 63 properties in industrial estates to be auctioned. |
| Fee Reduction for Business Title Changes | Reduced from 1% to 0.5% across Punjab. |
| Artisan and Gandhara Art Villages Projects | Business plans requested for efficient utilization. |
Table of Contents
Approval of CM Asan Karobar and Karobar Card Schemes
During the meeting, the PSIC board approved two new business schemes, CM Asan Karobar and CM Karobar Card. These programs will offer interest-free loans ranging from Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 30 million to support businesses and promote entrepreneurship. However, these schemes will require final approval from the Punjab Cabinet before implementation. The government hopes these initiatives will help small businesses grow and create job opportunities across the province.
Auction of Redundant Properties
The PSIC decided to auction 63 redundant properties located in various industrial estates. Additionally, final notices will be issued to owners of 500 plots that were canceled due to the non-establishment of industrial units. Owners have been given a two-month deadline to respond. If no action is taken, the plots will be auctioned, and the proceeds will be returned after deducting fines as per the policy. This step aims to optimize land utilization in industrial areas.
Fee Reduction for Business Title Changes
The board has reduced the fee for changing business titles, styles, and corporate setups across Punjab from 1% to 0.5%. This decision was made to ease financial burdens on business owners and encourage them to formalize and restructure their enterprises. The government believes this move will attract more entrepreneurs to establish businesses in the province.
Utilization of Artisan and Gandhara Art Villages
Strategies were discussed to maximize the potential of Artisan Village Kot Abdul Malik and Gandhara Art Village. The PSIC board has requested business plans for these projects to ensure their proper utilization. These villages aim to promote local crafts and culture while providing economic benefits to the artisans and artists involved.
Focus on Industrialization and Environmental Compliance
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain emphasized accelerating industrialization by facilitating the colonization of industrial estates through PSIC’s loan schemes. He stated that establishing new factories would create numerous job opportunities. Additionally, the minister directed the issuance of final notices to industrial units lacking water treatment plants and encouraged tree plantation in industrial areas to ensure environmental compliance.
To resolve pending legal matters efficiently, the PSIC board decided to engage skilled lawyers. The focus is on ensuring that disputes related to industrial estates and PSIC operations are resolved promptly, enabling smoother functioning and quicker implementation of policies.
Conclusion
The 129th PSIC meeting resulted in landmark decisions aimed at industrial growth, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurial support in Punjab. By introducing loan schemes, optimizing resources, and reducing business-related fees, the government is paving the way for a more industrialized and prosperous province. These measures reflect a commitment to creating job opportunities and fostering economic stability.
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FAQs
What happens to the auctioned properties in industrial estates in 2025?
Redundant properties and canceled plots will be auctioned. The proceeds will be returned to owners after deducting fines as per policy.
Why was the fee for business title changes reduced in 2025?
The fee was reduced to make it easier for businesses to restructure and formalize operations without financial strain.
How is PSIC ensuring environmental compliance in industrial estates in 2025?
Final notices have been issued to industrial units without water treatment plants, and emphasis has been placed on tree plantation in estates.