The Punjab government has launched a free loan scheme under the Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat Programme to support low-income families. The initiative aims to help eligible homeowners repair damaged roofs and build upper floors of their houses without paying interest.
The programme provides financial assistance through interest-free loans. Eligible applicants can receive between Rs500,000 and Rs1 million for home improvement projects. The government says the scheme is designed to improve housing conditions for families who cannot afford renovation costs.
Citizens can apply for the free loan through the official online portal. Those who need help with the application process can also visit their nearest facilitation centre. Government officials have established support desks across Punjab to guide applicants.
To begin the application, applicants must create an account on the official ACAG portal. They need to register by providing their personal details. After logging in, they will be asked to choose one of two financing options.
The first option is the Full Loan under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar Programme. The second option is the Partial Loan under the Apni Chhat, Mehfooz Chhat Programme. Applicants should select the category that best matches their needs.
After choosing the desired option, applicants must upload the required documents. These include a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), proof of property ownership, commonly known as a Fard, and recent photographs of the existing house. Authorities will review these documents during the verification process.
The Punjab government has also announced clear eligibility requirements for the programme. Applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab and possess a valid CNIC. They must own a residential property measuring up to five marlas in urban areas or up to ten marlas in rural areas.
Applicants must also be between 21 and 60 years of age at the time of submitting the application. In addition, they should have a clean financial history. Individuals who have defaulted on previous loans with banks or financial institutions are not eligible for the scheme.
The programme also requires applicants to have no conviction for any serious criminal offence. They must agree to allow the verification of their personal and property records through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA).
To make the application process easier, facilitation centres have been set up throughout the province. Help desks are available at the offices of all Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners. Similar support is also available at the regional and deputy director offices of the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA).
Officials encourage eligible families to complete their applications through the official portal or seek assistance from the designated facilitation centres. The free loan programme is expected to help many households improve the safety and condition of their homes without the burden of interest payments.
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Residents seeking more information about the scheme or the application process can visit the official ACAG portal, where complete details about loan categories, eligibility requirements, and document submission are available.
