PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has started the Ehsaas Apna Ghar Scheme to help low-income families, according to a media report.
As per the details, the scheme aims to provide interest-free loans to poor and lower-middle-class people in the province. These loans will help them build, repair, or improve their homes.
The project is part of the provincial development program. In the first phase, 5,309 houses will be built at a cost of 4 billion rupees. Over the next seven years, the scheme will expand to 11,196 houses, with a total cost of 8.95 billion rupees.
Under the scheme, loans of up to 1.5 million rupees will be given without interest. The loans will be repaid in monthly installments, and a guarantor system has been set up, which may include an SHO or district nazim. Government employees must transfer their salaries to a specific bank and submit original property documents.
Applicants must meet certain conditions, they should be KP residents, aged 20 to 50, with a monthly income of less than 1.5 lakh rupees. They also need a valid ID card, an active bank account, a balloting certificate from the KP Housing Authority, or proof of land ownership.
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The Bank of Khyber has been chosen to manage the scheme. An agreement was signed on December 13, 2024. The project was approved by the cabinet on October 24, 2024, with a budget of 4 billion rupees. The Department of Planning and Development has also given its approval.
Free OPD Services Added to Sehat Insaf Card
On the other hand, the KP government has included free outpatient department (OPD) services in the Sehat Insaf Card scheme. This service has started as a pilot project in Mardan district. In the next phase, it will expand to Chitral, Malakand, and Kohat districts.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur officially launched the OPD services. A ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s House.
Around 50,000 eligible families in Mardan will benefit from this service, which includes free medicines, tests, and medical care. The pilot project is supported by the German organization KFW and will be expanded later.
