Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday announced that Group D employees of the state government will receive an interest-free advance of Rs 10,000 each to mark the upcoming festival season. The scheme aims to benefit nearly 35,894 employees.
In a press statement, Finance Minister Cheema emphasized the Punjab Government’s commitment to supporting its workforce. He noted that during the 2024-25 financial year, 13,375 Group D employees, around 37 percent of the total 36,065 employees, availed of the same advance, resulting in an expenditure of Rs 13.37 crore.
Cheema said that if all eligible Group D employees opt for the advance this year, the total outlay is expected to reach Rs 35.89 crore. An initial budget provision of Rs 20 crore has been made for 2025-26, with additional funds to be arranged through revised estimates if required.
With Diwali falling on October 20, the Finance Minister confirmed that the amount will be disbursed from the treasury by October 17. The repayment of the interest-free advance will be made in five equal monthly installments, starting from November 2025 salaries.
