Karnataka's One Lakh Homes Scheme Hit By Hurdles

The housing scheme under which the Karnataka government planned to provide homes at Rs 1 lakh has hit hurdles. Half of the 175 acre 34 guntas that was set aside to build 26,102 units is caught into various disputes, housing minister V Somanna has said. On top of that, the nodal agency for the implementation of this scheme, the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Ltd (RGHCL), is also facing issues with respect to finding construction companies that are willing to take up the project.

CM One Lakh Homes Scheme, 2019

Under the CM One Lakh Homes Scheme, 2019, affordable homes will be built for people below the poverty line (BPL). Lack of land availability, however, has forced the state to opt for buildings of ground-plus-14 floors, instead of the previous plan of ground-plus-three floors. Around 1,500 acres of government land, will be reclaimed from encroachers to build these homes.

Those belonging to the BPL category, with a family income of less than Rs 87,000 per year, can apply for a house under this scheme. The applicant must also be a resident of Bengaluru for the past five years or more and must not own another property. They must also not be a beneficiary under any other scheme. Around 10,000 title deeds have been distributed to beneficiaries in Bengaluru, till February 2019, under the scheme. Authorities say over 40,000 applications have been received, so far. 

Cost analysis: Apartments under the scheme were earlier expected to cost between Rs 5.50 and 6 lakhs. With the change in building plans, rates might be revised, too. To eligible candidates, the government will provide a subsidy of Rs 1.20 lakhs, to those belonging to the general category, while SC/ST applicants would be given a Rs 2-lakh subsidy. The remaining amount will be borne by the individuals themselves.

The project is being financed under the central, as well as the state government schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojna, the Ambedkar Housing Scheme and the Basavanna Housing Scheme.