Hon. (Dr.) (Ms.) Chathuri Gangani

¶ 01 As stated in the Budget Speech, we have allocated Rs. 1,000 million for the housing needs of displaced people in the North and East. Over the next 10 years, through the direct involvement of the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA), we expect to increase new housing construction and the upgrading of existing houses by 25%. For this, we will mobilize both state institutions and the private sector. By coordinating with banks and other financial institutions, our aim is to ensure every individual has a safe and healthy home. Within our land policy, we also expect to achieve proper land management.

¶ 02 We have already initiated measures to construct suitable housing complexes. For young married families, we have arranged facilities to build or purchase a house. In this Budget, we have made allocations to support 1,250 families per year, at the rate of 50 families per district. Through bank coordination, Rs. 2.5 million will be made available to each family, with a portion of the interest paid by the Government; the arrangements are already prepared.

¶ 03 We have also arranged to provide Rs. 1 million in assistance to poor families without homes. Previously, they received around Rs. 600,000; we increased it to Rs. 1 million. There were obstacles in accessing this assistance, such as documentary and permit requirements. Recognizing these as barriers, we have prepared to grant assistance to anyone able to prove residence.

¶ 04 For families in every district without land to build, unable to repay loans, or unable to purchase a house, we have prepared to provide stable housing under a rental-purchase apartment scheme. We are fully aware of the hardships faced by estate communities who lack even minimum housing facilities. Under assistance from the Government of India, we have commenced constructing 5,000 houses at Rs. 3 million per family.

¶ 05 We have also commenced work to build accessible homes with facilities for persons with disabilities. Our one hope is to ensure a good life for every citizen of this country, and a key task within that is providing a home—a basic human right and need. We will make every possible intervention toward that goal. Thank you.