PUNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Wednesday inaugurated a model house of the provincial government’s ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme. She also launched a portal of the programme, acag.punjab.gov.pk, where people could apply online to benefit from the scheme. To ensure easy access of the people, a helpline — 0800-09100 — has been established where people could call and seek information.
Shelter is the basic right of every citizen but unfortunately the gap between demand and supply of housing is increasing with the passage of time despite attractive programmes announced by the successive governments. This is mainly because most of the leaders were in the habit of playing with the galleries without focusing on the implementation aspect. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is proving different as her Government lays special emphasis on practical implementation of all initiatives announced by the province for welfare of the people. ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme was announced in March when the Chief Minister gave instructions for making it affordable for the low income groups. She came up to the pledge by declaring that those getting loans would have to pay a maximum instalment of Rs 14,000 per month. No interest will be charged on getting a loan; neither there will be any hidden charges nor any service charges. Originally, it was envisaged to construct three thousand housing units in each district of the province, which is not enough in view of the number of people without a roof but based on the success of the scheme, its scope can be enlarged to benefit more people.
