Difference Between Apni Zameen Apna Ghar & Apni Chat Apna Ghar Scheme – Check Details
The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has introduced two major housing schemes to help people in Punjab own a home. These are:
- Apni Zameen Apna Ghar Scheme
- Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Scheme
Although both projects are designed to help low-income families, they differ in how they work, who can apply, and what kind of support they offer. Let’s break down each scheme in detail and then compare them.
Apni Zameen Apna Ghar Scheme
What It Is:
This scheme gives free 3-marla plots (around 675 square feet) to poor and homeless families. The aim is to help them build a house of their own.
Main Features:
- Free Plots: The government provides land at no cost.
- Interest-Free Loans: Up to PKR 1.5 million loan is offered for building the house. You can pay this back in 7 years in monthly installments of PKR 14,000.
- Fair Process: Plots are given through a transparent balloting system.
- No Application Fee: It’s completely free to apply.
Who Can Apply:
- Must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- Should be the head of the family (verified by NADRA).
- Monthly income must be less than PKR 50,000.
- Must be registered in NSER (National Socio-Economic Registry) with a Poverty Score of 60 or below.
- Should not own any property in Pakistan (including spouse and children).
- Must not have a criminal record or unpaid loans.
How to Apply:
- Online: Visit azag.punjab.gov.pk.
- Offline Help: Visit your local Deputy Commissioner’s office if you don’t have internet access.
- Documents Needed: CNIC, proof of residence, NADRA family registration, income proof, and NSER record.
Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Scheme
What It Is:
This program aims to provide 100,000 affordable houses or apartments to low-income families over 4.5 years. It helps people who live in rented homes or poor conditions to own a house.
Main Features:
- Government Help: Each unit costs PKR 1.5 million, but the government pays 60%, so the buyer only pays PKR 600,000.
- Easy Payments: The remaining amount can be paid in monthly installments of PKR 26,000 for 5 years.
- Three Ways to Get a House:
- Building on government land through private developers.
- Construction in private housing schemes.
- Interest-free loans to build on your own land.
- Utilities Included: Homes come with electricity, water, and basic facilities.
Who Can Apply:
- Must be a permanent resident of Punjab.
- Must be the head of the family (as per NADRA).
- Must own land: 5 marlas in cities or 10 marlas in rural areas.
- Registered with NSER (poverty score 60 or less).
- No criminal history or unpaid loans.
How to Apply:
- Online: Visit acag.punjab.gov.pk.
- Documents Needed: CNIC, proof of residence, land documents, family registration, and NSER record.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Apni Zameen Apna Ghar | Apni Chhat Apna Ghar |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Free 3-marla plots for homeless. | Loans and subsidized housing for plot owners. |
| Beneficiaries | Landless families, widows, orphans, disabled, laborers. | Plot owners (5 marlas urban, 10 marlas rural). |
| Land Requirement | No property ownership. | Own 5–10 marla plot. |
| Deliverables | 1,892 plots in Phase 1. | 100,000 houses by 2029. |
| Financial Support | Free plots; PKR 1.5M loans. | PKR 1.5M loans; 60% subsidy on PKR 1.5M units. |
| Repayment | Loans: PKR 14,000/month, 7 years. | Loans: PKR 14,000/month, 7 years; units: PKR 26,000/month, 5 years. |
| Scope | 19 districts in Phase 1. | Six cities, 3,000 houses/district. |
Objectives
- Apni Zameen Apna Ghar: Provide free plots, ensure housing security, reduce poverty, create 500,000 jobs.
- Apni Chhat Apna Ghar: Build 100,000 houses, offer loans/subsidies, improve urban living, empower low-income families.
Final Thoughts
Both housing programs are a big step toward solving the housing crisis in Punjab. The Apni Zameen Apna Ghar scheme is ideal for people who don’t own land and want a place to build a home. On the other hand, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar is great for families who already have land or want to move into a ready-to-live apartment at a low cost.
The government has made the application process simple and free, making it easier for deserving people to benefit from these schemes.
