The Gujarat Government has approved a scheme providing 100% waiver of penal interest accrued on outstanding instalments of principal amount for beneficiaries of various housing schemes constructed by the Gujarat Rural Housing Board under the Hire-Purchase Scheme. According to reports from ANI, these schemes include EWS, LIG, MIG, Competitive (Composite), and Cash Loan housing schemes. The State Government has now extended the deadline for availing the penal interest waiver scheme until January 31, 2027, keeping the convenience of citizens and beneficiaries in mind. The scheme covers multiple categories including Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), Middle Income Group (MIG), Competitive (Composite), and Cash Loan housing schemes.
During the first phase of the scheme, 22 recovery camps were organised at the district level to facilitate beneficiary payments. As reported by ANI, through these camps, 2,988 beneficiaries paid ₹10.57 crore towards the principal amount. The beneficiaries received substantial penal interest waiver amounting to ₹39.51 crore, with Loan Clearance Certificates issued to all beneficiaries who participated in the recovery camps. The Gujarat Rural Housing Board has urged eligible beneficiaries to make maximum use of the extended opportunity to avail the benefits.
Under the "Shravan Utsav" initiative, the Gujarat Government has established special platforms in 6 districts from August 26 to September 7, 2026, to help Sakhi Mandal women directly sell their products at various fairs and religious events. According to ANI, this initiative aims to increase their income and promote the "Vocal for Local" and "Lakhpati Didi" campaigns. The Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Ltd. (GLPC), under the Rural Development Department, will allocate stalls at fairs to provide wider market access for various food products, handicrafts, handlooms, traditional attire, worship materials, home decor items and other local products manufactured by Self-Help Groups (Sakhi Mandals) working under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). During this programme, financial assistance cheques will also be distributed to Sakhi Mandal women as encouragement.
