Chandigarh

The AAP government has sanctioned an interest-free wheat loan for Class-IV (Group-D) employees across the state, ensuring financial support for essential household consumption, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said on Wednesday.

Cheema stated in a statement, “The Bhagwant Mann government will provide a minimum interest-free loan amount of Rs 10,340 to eligible Group-D employees for purchasing wheat. The calculation for this financial assistance is based on the government's established standard of an average consumption of four quintals of wheat per family."

Highlighting the implementation timeline and budgetary backing, the Punjab Finance Minister added, "These employees will be authorised to draw this loan amount from the government treasury up until May 29, 2026. To support the seamless execution of this welfare measure, a dedicated budget provision of Rs 15 crore has been allocated for the 2026-27 financial year."

Detailing the repayment mechanism, he emphasised that the structure has been designed to minimise financial stress on employees.

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"The loan recovery process is structured to minimise the financial burden on employees, with deductions scheduled across eight monthly instalments. These deductions will begin with the June salary (paid in July), ensuring the full loan recovery concludes before the current fiscal year ends," he said.

"The welfare of our employees remains our government's top priority, and we will consistently strive to uphold initiatives that guarantee their support and financial well-being," he added.