Gobingarh, April 22: To provide financial relief for household consumption, the Bhagwant Mann administration has sanctioned interest-free wheat loans for all Class-IV employees across the state. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema affirmed on Wednesday that eligible staff members are entitled to a loan of ₹10,340, a figure calculated to cover the average family requirement of four quintals of wheat.
The government has allocated a dedicated budget of ₹15 crore for the 2026-27 financial year to ensure the seamless rollout of the program. Cheema stated that employees are authorized to draw these funds from the treasury until May 29. He maintained that the welfare of the workforce remains a top priority for the government, asserting that such initiatives are essential for the financial well-being of the state’s support staff.
Repayment of the loan has been designed to be manageable, with the recovery process spread across eight monthly installments. The Finance Minister affirmed that deductions will begin from the June salary, which is disbursed in July, ensuring the full amount is recovered before the end of the current financial year. He declared that the structure was specifically chosen to minimize any financial stress on the employees.
The Finance Minister reaffirmed the administration’s employee-centric commitment during the announcement in Chandigarh. He stated that the government will consistently strive to uphold support measures that guarantee the stability of its workers. By providing these interest-free funds during the peak wheat procurement season, the state maintains its focus on ensuring basic food security for its most vulnerable public sector employees.
