₹10,340 per employee, ₹15 crore allocated; repayment structured in easy installments to ease financial burden: Harpal Singh Cheema
Punjab E News (22nd April 2026): In a significant step towards strengthening employee welfare, the Bhagwant Mann Government has sanctioned an interest-free wheat loan for Class-IV (Group-D) employees across the state, ensuring financial support for essential household consumption.
Announcing the decision, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The Bhagwant Mann Punjab Government has determined that it is appropriate to provide a minimum interest-free loan amount of ₹10,340 to eligible Group-D employees specifically for the purchase of 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 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 ₹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. “The recovery process for the loan has been structured to minimise the financial burden on the employees, with deductions scheduled across eight monthly installments. These installment deductions are set to begin with the June salary, which is paid out in July, guaranteeing that the full recovery of the loan is completed before the current financial year concludes,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s employee-centric approach, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underscored the broader commitment of the administration. “The welfare of our employees remains a top priority for our government, and we will consistently strive to uphold initiatives that guarantee their support and financial well-being,” he added.
