Rs 17b subsidy for poverty alleviation

Sunday, October 12, 2008 By Our Correspondent LAHORE PUNJAB Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed has said the government is providing Rs 17 billion subsidy for poverty alleviation in the province. Talking to a group of MPAs, political leaders and workers at his residence on Saturday, the minister said the subsidy was aimed at improving lifestyle of the most vulnerable strata of society by providing daily-used items on cheap rate and free health facilities . He said Rs 1 billion had been earmarked for the provision of micro finance loan to the educated youth to launch small and medium enterprises for earning sustainable livelihood. He said the government had also provided Rs 400 million for the promotion of cottage industry so that women folk and... [read full story]