The Punjab government has approved a new phase of interest-free loans under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme. The initiative aims to help low-income families repair damaged and unsafe homes across the province.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Punjab Minister for Housing Bilal Yaseen. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the President of the Bank of Punjab, the Secretary Housing, and the Director General of PHATA.
Speaking after the meeting, Bilal Yaseen said eligible families would be able to apply for interest-free loans through a dedicated online portal. The financial assistance will be available for repairing houses or constructing roofs on existing homes.
According to the minister, applicants can receive loans ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs1 million. The financing will be provided through a transparent and affordable system without any interest charges. The initiative is part of the Punjab government’s efforts to improve housing conditions for financially struggling families.
Officials said the programme has already benefited a large number of residents. Around 170,000 families have received financial support under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” scheme. The government now plans to extend interest-free loans to another 100,000 families during the next fiscal year.
The “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme is one of the Punjab government’s major housing projects. It aims to provide affordable homes and improve living standards for low-income households throughout the province.
Under the programme, the government plans to build 100,000 affordable houses and apartments over four and a half years. The project will be completed through three different implementation models to meet the housing needs of various communities.
Officials believe the initiative will reduce overcrowding and improve access to safer housing. It is also expected to help limit the growth of informal settlements while improving access to essential public services.
The large-scale housing programme is expected to create nearly 500,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. Construction activities are likely to support employment in several related industries across Punjab.
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab. Eligible individuals can submit applications through the official online portal of the programme.
The scheme offers loans of up to Rs1 million with a repayment period of seven years. Beneficiaries will repay the amount through easy monthly instalments, making the programme more affordable for low-income families.
The loan amount will be released in different phases based on project progress. Officials said repayments from existing beneficiaries will be used to finance future applicants through a revolving fund.
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The Punjab government will also cover operational expenses and applicable sales tax. This ensures that beneficiaries receive interest-free loans without any additional financing costs, making the scheme more accessible for families in need.
