Punjab govt to provide interest-free loans for the repair of dilapidated houses

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to further expand the scope of the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program launched for low-income and homeless people and provide interest-free loans for the repair of dilapidated houses and the construction of roofs.

In a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, it was decided that deserving citizens will now be able to get interest-free loans of Rs 500,000 to Rs 100,000 for the construction of a new house as well as for the repair or installation of a roof on their existing house.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary Housing, President Bank of Punjab and DG PHATA, while a detailed briefing was also given on the progress of the program.

According to the briefing, interest-free loans have been provided to 170,000 families under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” scheme so far, while a target has been set to benefit another 100,000 families during the next financial year.

According to the government, the program will directly benefit low-income, homeless and deserving families living in shabby or dilapidated houses.

On this occasion, Housing Minister Bilal Yasin said that as per the instructions of the Punjab Chief Minister, all loans are being issued completely interest-free, low-cost and under a transparent procedure.

He said that citizens will be able to apply online for loans ranging from Rs 5 to Rs 1 million through the e-portal, which will eliminate the need to visit offices and wait in long queues, and the entire application process can be completed from home.