PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has emphasised the urgent need to address the issue of unemployment in the province.

He has directed the immediate finalisation and implementation of Ehsaas Naujwan Rozgar, Ehsaas Hunar and Ehsaas Rozgar Programmes, according to a statement issued here on Friday.

Similarly, in order to cater for the housing needs of low-income households in the province and raise their socio-economic conditions, the preparation for “Ehsaas Apna Ghar Programme” was reviewed. Under this programme, interest-free loans up to Rs1.5 million would be offered to low-income people for construction of new house, renovation & improvement of existing house or buying an apartment.

During a joint meeting of the departments concerned, the chief minister highlighted the importance of a realistic and equitable approach to these initiatives. The meeting was attended by provincial cabinet members Muzammil Aslam, Syed Fakhr Jahan, Mashal Azam, Amjad Ali, Abdul Karim Tordhair and Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Development Department) Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Amjad Ali Khan, and other officials.

The chief minister underscored that each district should receive its fair share based on population, merit, and without political bias. He stressed the need for transparency in the implementation process to ensure that the benefits of these programmes reach the youth, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.

The meeting discussed the pilot project under the Ehsaas Naujawan Rozgar Scheme, which will offer soft loans up to ten million rupees. These loans are intended for individuals with the skills and viable plans to start their own businesses. Similarly, the Ehsaas Rozgar Scheme will provide interest-free loans of up to Rs 200,000 to those wishing to start or expand small-scale businesses.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2024