The Indiramma Houses scheme in Telangana has achieved a significant milestone, disbursing over ₹2,500 crore to beneficiaries. In just six months since its pilot launch in January and subsequent expansion to all gram panchayats in May, construction has already begun on 2.25 lakh homes out of the approximately 3 lakh sanctioned.
V.P. Gautham, the Corporation’s Managing Director, highlighted that the scheme is a powerful blend of social welfare and economic development. Beyond offering dignified housing, it empowers beneficiaries by helping them build valuable assets. The initiative has significantly boosted the rural economy, generating numerous employment opportunities, as stated during a press conference in Hyderabad.
Under the scheme, each eligible beneficiary receives ₹5 lakh in financial aid to construct a house. These homes are designed to be between 400 sq. ft. and 600 sq. ft. in area. Despite calls to permit larger constructions, the maximum size limit has been maintained.
Mr. Gautham explained that this restriction prevents wealthier individuals, who can afford larger homes (e.g., over 1000 sq. ft. costing ₹20 lakh or more), from leveraging the ₹5 lakh assistance as a partial subsidy. He emphasized that even a modest 400 sq. ft. home, built at approximately ₹1,250 per sq. ft., would exceed the ₹5 lakh grant, ensuring that the scheme genuinely supports those from poorer backgrounds and prevents them from incurring excessive debt for home construction.
New Flexibility: G+1 Construction with Smaller Carpet Area
In a recent amendment, the State government issued a Government Order (G.O.) to introduce more flexibility. This order now permits the construction of ground-plus-one-floor houses on plots smaller than 400 sq. ft., provided the carpet area is at least 323 sq. ft.
Mr. Gautham clarified that this statewide amendment is particularly beneficial for urban residents where land is often scarce, and poorer families may not own a 400 sq. ft. plot. This policy adjustment was a direct response to on-the-ground feedback, addressing situations in districts where selected beneficiaries lacked adequate land for construction under the previous norms.
Seamless Integration with Central Welfare Programs
The ₹5 lakh financial assistance is distributed to beneficiaries in four installments. The final ₹1 lakh installment is pending transfer, and the corporation is currently assessing the completion status of the roughly 29,000 houses where slab work has been completed.
Importantly, the Indiramma Houses scheme is integrated with key Central government initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act and the Swachh Bharat Mission. This integration means that while the State government contributes ₹3.88 lakh, the remaining portion of the ₹5 lakh benefit is channeled through these Central programs, ensuring beneficiaries receive support from multiple avenues.
Recognizing that many beneficiaries initially lacked the funds to start construction, the Managing Director confirmed that financial support, including various loan amounts, has been extended to 21,993 beneficiaries to help them commence building their homes.