Abstract:
This study evaluates a Punjab Government development project titled “Customized Lending Program for Furniture Cluster at Chiniot.” The project was implemented by the Punjab Government’s Small Industries Corporation at a total cost of PRs 40 million: the sum of PRs 100,000 was loaned to 400 small and medium furniture manufacturers in Chiniot, to be repaid in 22 equal monthly installments with a grace period of two months. The socioeconomic impact of the loan was determined from data collected through a survey. Overall, the project was deemed unsuccessful: on average beneficiaries’ income fell due to negative factors such as power outages and the fact that uniform loans were made to small and larger manufacturers.
