In a first-of-its-kind welfare initiative, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has launched the Ehsaas Apna Ghar Scheme, providing interest-free loans to low-income individuals for building or renovating their homes. This scheme will empower residents by improving living conditions and enhancing social and economic well-being.
Scheme Details:
Under the program, one can get interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million, either to construct a new house or to renovate an existing one. It will have a manageable repayment schedule of seven years; the monthly installments would not be more than Rs18,000.
The scheme is going to work on a revolving fund, which means it would continue even after seven years. The scheme requires applicants to be landowners; therefore, one needs to be a landowner before getting this loan.
Collaborative Work to Implement
To ensure the effective implementation of the program, the MoU was signed between the Housing Department and the Bank of Khyber. The signing ceremony took place at the Chief Minister‘s House, and the chief guest was Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
The program is supported by a budget of Rs4 billion. It shows that the provincial government is serious about the housing development for the deprived communities.
Chief Minister‘s vision on housing
Chief Minister of the Province, Ali Amin Gandapur in a ceremony said that Quality Housing provision for the general population residing in the Province will top his list and announced this Ehsaas Apna Ghar Scheme, as one of the central features of the welfare packages set to deliver socio-economic well-being amongst the low-income groups in Pakistan.
He assured that the process of loan distribution would be transparent at every stage, and no one would be benefited from the scheme without deserving. The Chief Minister also said that this project falls in line with other welfare projects under the Ehsaas Program, like Ehsaas Youth, Ehsaas Skills, and Ehsaas Employment.
Compensation Package for D-Chowk Victims
The K-P government has also okayed a package of compensation for the D-Chowk tragedy victims along with the housing scheme. According to government spokesperson Barrister Saif, the families of martyrs would be given Rs10 million and those injured would be compensated by giving them Rs1 million.
Involvement:
The verification process of martyrs is going on with its process, and payments are being given to confirmed families. Barrister Saif briefed that all the martyrs will be compensated in the most transparent and efficient manners once the verification process ends.
A Step Towards Inclusive Development
The Ehsaas Apna Ghar Scheme and the approved compensation packages reflect the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s focus on improving the lives of its citizens through sustainable welfare programs. By addressing housing needs and providing financial support to those affected by tragedies, the provincial government is working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
This initiative reflects commitment towards raising standards of living and ensuring meaningful opportunities for K-P‘s populace, paving the way for long-term socio-economic progress.
