To further uplift the economic status of the youth of the economically weaker section (EWS), the Punjab Government has decided to disburse loan worth Rs 491.26 lakh to 289 youths at low interest rates for self-employment. “Punjab Backward Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation has set a target to distribute a loan of Rs. 1127.75 lakh to 751 youth of EWS during 2020-2021,” said the state Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Sadhu Singh Dharmsot. He said that 279 youths have been provided Rs 474.46 lakh as loan on low interest rate till date, and the process to provide this monetary assistance to others is underway. “Loans worth Rs 16.80 lakh have been provided to 10 youngsters of EWS for self-employment at low interest rate,” he added. The Minister said that the Punjab Government has handed over Rs 2,436.74 lakh loan to 1,459 poor BC, Minorities and EWS youngsters of the State during the last four years. “These youngsters have already started their businesses and earning livelihood for them and their families,” he added.