PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mehmood Khan Wednesday directed the concerned authorities to expedite the process of providing loans to tribal youth under the Insaf Rozgar Scheme.

The chief minister issued these directions while chairing a meeting to review progress on Insaf Rozgar Scheme in merged tribal districts in Peshawar. The meeting was also attended by KP Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra and Adviser to Chief Minister on tribal affairs Ajmal Wazir.

The meeting discussed implementation of Insaf Rozgar Scheme for merged tribal districts in detail. The chief minister directed the quarters concerned to fast-track the process of provision of interest-free loans to the youth of merged tribal districts. He said delaying tactics in smooth and quick dispensation of loans to tribal youth would not be tolerated. He said negligent officials will face action.

The chief minister said Insaf Rozgar Scheme is gift from the government to the youth of tribal districts which would greatly help them in starting their own business.

Mehmood Khan maintained that desired targets of the Insaf Rozgar Scheme would be achieved at all costs. The chief minister also directed for devising a complete timeline and its proper follow-up for successful execution of the Rozgar Scheme. He said the Insaf Rozgar Scheme for tribal districts is a revolutionary step taken by the present government. He said the scheme will go a long way in enabling the tribal youth to stand on their own feet.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government launched Insaf Rozgar Scheme on April 15 for addressing the issues of poverty and unemployment in the merged districts. Under this scheme, the deserving applicants will be provided interest-free loans ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs1 million. This loan is provided through the Bank of Khyber (BoK) with some conditions.

According to the BoK, citizens aged between 18 to 50 years will be eligible for the loan. Those having ideas for practicable and profitable business will get the loan. The BoK says educated and skilled applicants will get loan up to Rs1 million, technical experts will get up to Rs500,000 and other applicants will get up to Rs300,000. People seeking to expand their existing business will also get up to Rs300,000.

The loan needs to be returned in three years with additional three months grace period.