LAHORE, March 20: Punjab Industries, Investment and Commerce Minister Muhammad Ajmal Cheema has said that a loan scheme will soon be launched for small industrialists with Rs1 billion allocation.

Presiding over a meeting of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation board of directors here on Monday, he said a summary to the effect had already been submitted for approval. The PSIC would start sanctioning loans after its approval.

He said the PSIC required to be organised on modern lines for ensuring provision of maximum facilities to small investors forming the backbone of economy.

The minister also ordered expediting infrastructure development at the Sundar Industrial Estate for ensuring provision of international standard facilities to investors. He also called for steps for ensuring advancement of loans to small industries on a priority basis.

The PSIC board of directors approved upgradation of the posts of clerks, establishment of a PSIC Employees Welfare Fund and promotion of five grade-18 officers.

The meeting was attended by provincial industries secretary Javed Majid, PSIC managing-director Muhammad Ali Gardezi and representatives of finance, planning and development departments and Bank of Punjab.

LEGISLATION: Punjab Social Services Board chairperson Saba Sadiq has said that legislation is under process at the Punjab Assembly for providing a sense of security to women.