ECC approves relief package worth Rs50bn for SMEs

ISLAMABAD: To support the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Economic Coordination Committee has approved a relief package worth Rs50.69 billion to provide prepaid electricity.

Elaborating on the matter, Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar said: “Small businesses having a commercial connection of less than five kilowatt and industrial consumers using less than 70 kilowatts can benefit from this initiative.”

The relief package includes small businesses like tailor shops, small markets, and industrial units that are being operated by around 3.5 million people. This package will also be available for the people of Azad Kashmir as well, he further informed.

In addition, the committee also allotted Rs75 billion as a relief to labourers and daily wage workers suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the relief, Rs12,000 will be disbursed amongst four to six million people.

Moreover, 12 million people are being accommodated under the Ehsaas program. To help authorities in this regard, a portal will be launched after the federal cabinet’s approval.

“Labourers and daily wagers can get themselves registered by accessing the portal and filling the requisite information,” the minister further added.

Due to a rise in cases in the country, the lockdown has been extended till May 9.

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