KP CM launches 'Ehsaas Apna Ghar' interest free loans scheme for house construction

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Monday formally launched “Ehsaas Apna Ghar” scheme aimed at providing interest-free loans to low-income individuals for constructing their own homes.

A ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s House to distribute interest-free loan cheques, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur as the chief guest.

Members of the provincial cabinet, including Meena Khan Afridi, Muzzammil Aslam, Dr. Amjad, and Rangaiz Ahmad, along with officials from the Housing Department, attended the event. On this occasion, the Chief Minister distributed cheques among successful applicants.

A total of Rs4 billion has been allocated for the provision of interest-free loans under the Ehsaas Apna Ghar scheme. To ensure transparency, applicants were selected through a computerised ballot system.

Individuals aged between 18 to 65 years, with a monthly income of less than Rs150,000, are eligible for loans under this scheme. Applicants can receive interest-free loans of up to Rs1.5 million, repayable on instalments.

Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced to protest against removal of the province’s two key hydro-electric power projects from the energy plan.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Energy and Power Tariq Sadozai in a letter addressed to Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari has said that the provincial government will protest at higher forum against removal of these projects of the province.

He has expressed concern over expulsion of two key projects from the IGCAP. “Federal government’s step has been victimization of the province,” letter read.

“Both projects, 88 megawatt Gabral Kalam and 157 megawatts in Madyan, were initiated under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hydropower and Renewable Energy Programme,” letter read.

“Both projects are scheduled to be completed in year 2027 with financial assistance from the World Bank,” according to letter. Both projects were added to the plan with the consent of the NEPRA, Council of Common Interest (CCI) and the ECNEC.

“Removal of these projects by the system operator has been unlawful under the constitution,” letter read.