Small Industries

Small Industries

The poor working of corporations and autonomous bodies has forced the Punjab Government to consider whether or not to disband some of these. The develop rural and semi rural areas it was decided to stimulate small-scale industries here. A run-fledged independent organisation small industries Corporation was established. Despite all its ills this Corporation has been looking after the promotion of the carpet industry and the provision of technical services to leather, metallurgy, ceramics light engineering, cutlery, sports goods, rubber and plastic industries.

When we talk of exports we can not ignore the fact that 35 percent of the total exports depend on goods manufactured by our small industries. Even our Planning Commission has admitted the importance of small industrial units. The Commission has made certain recommendations in its report for 1975-80. The CMLA had issued a directive to the provincial governments stressing the importance and role of small industries in improving the economy of the country. Moreover, We cannot close our eyes to the repercussions feared if this Corporation was actually disbanded. These are: wide unemployment (remember 75 percent of our industrial labor is working in small industries; frustration to the small investors; sudden fall in industrial production).

It is hoped that the Punjab Government will take measures to improve the working of Small industries Corporation rather than closing it down altogether.

This article written by Muhammad Tufail Mirza in VIEW POINT (Lahore June 18, 1978)