The Ministry of IT and Telecom, in collaboration with the Pakistan Software Export Board, has announced the ambitious initiative to establish 250 e-Rozgaar Centers nationwide.
In a historic stride towards bolstering Pakistan’s digital domain, the Ministry of IT and Telecom, in collaboration with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), has announced the ambitious initiative to establish 250 e-Rozgaar Centers nationwide. This visionary endeavor seeks to redefine the freelance and startup ecosystem by furnishing vital resources and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs in every corner of the country.
The unveiling of this transformative initiative underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and harnessing the potential of the digital economy. With the proliferation of e-Rozgaar Centers across Pakistan, individuals from all walks of life will have unparalleled access to opportunities in the burgeoning digital realm.
According to officials from the Ministry of IT and Telecom, the deployment of e-Rozgaar Centers will span every district, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. The allocation of centers across provinces is meticulously structured, taking into account population dynamics and insights gleaned from ignite’s vast repository, which encompasses data from 1.2 million freelancers.
Punjab emerges as the vanguard in this groundbreaking initiative, with plans to establish 149 centers, followed by Sindh with 51, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 28, and substantial representation in other regions. Notably, the federal capital, Islamabad, is slated to house 11 centers, while Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan will each host 6, 3, and 2 centers respectively. This concerted effort underscores the government’s commitment to democratizing access to digital opportunities across all provinces and territories.
The process of setting up these centers will kick off with the issuance of Expression of Interest (EoI) notices, which will be disseminated through various channels including local newspapers, PPRA platforms, PSEB’s official channels, and social media networks. Subsequently, an impartial committee will undertake the meticulous task of shortlisting suitable buildings for the establishment of e-Rozgaar Centers.
Building owners whose properties meet the requisite criteria will have the opportunity to apply for interest-free loans facilitated by PSEB. These loans will cover the expenses associated with setting up the centers, thereby alleviating financial barriers and expediting the establishment process.
Furthermore, through a synergistic public-private partnership model, these centers will provide dedicated workspaces and essential financial support, including interest-free loans of up to Rs. 10 million. This strategic collaboration is poised to galvanize innovation and entrepreneurship, serving as catalysts for economic advancement and prosperity nationwide.
In addition to financial assistance, developers will benefit from comprehensive training programs aimed at equipping them with the requisite skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital marketplace. With extensive marketing support and coverage of trainer expenses, the e-Rozgaar Centers are poised to emerge as vibrant hubs of innovation, nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
In essence, the establishment of 250 e-Rozgaar Centers heralds a new era of empowerment and inclusivity in Pakistan’s digital landscape. By democratizing access to resources and opportunities, this visionary initiative holds the promise of unleashing the full potential of Pakistan’s burgeoning digital economy, driving sustained growth and prosperity for years to come.