Is the DMK government's flagship 'Kalaignar Kanavu Illam' scheme nearing 100,000 homes?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Kalaignar Kanavu Illam scheme aims for 100,000 homes for the rural poor.
- Over Rs 3,039 crore has been invested in its first year.
- Eligibility includes having a land patta or receiving one from District Collectors.
- Each house has a minimum area of 360 square feet, ensuring quality construction.
- MGNREGS supports employment through this housing initiative.
Chennai, July 12 (NationPress) The Kalaignar Kanavu Illam (KKI), the flagship rural housing initiative by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone with the completion of 100,000 homes for the rural poor in the coming weeks. Currently, 81,811 houses have been fully constructed under this scheme.
Additionally, 18,071 homes have reached the roofing phase, while work is ongoing on 118 others, which are anticipated to reach the roofing stage by July 20.
Introduced during the 2024–25 financial year, the KKI scheme aims to construct one lakh houses each year for economically disadvantaged sections in rural regions.
The state has invested over Rs 3,039 crore for the scheme's rollout in its first year, and progress is continuing into the present financial year.
To date, 24 houses have been completed. Foundation and basement work is finalized for over 90,000 houses, with 39,726 of them having advanced to at least the lintel phase.
This year, an extra Rs 673 crore has been allocated to bolster construction efforts. Each house constructed under the KKI initiative will feature a minimum area of 360 square feet, which includes a kitchen. At least 300 square feet will be built using reinforced cement concrete (RCC) for enhanced durability.
The cost to build each unit is Rs 3.5 lakh, which incorporates contributions from central initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Under MGNREGS, each house provides 90 person-days of employment, while an additional 10 person-days are allocated for the construction of an Individual Household Latrine (IHHL), supported under Swachh Bharat (Grameen) at a cost of Rs 12,000.
To qualify, beneficiaries must possess a land patta in their name. However, for landless yet eligible individuals, District Collectors have been given authority to issue pattas, facilitating their inclusion in the scheme.
With swift advancements and dedicated funding, the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam initiative symbolizes the Tamil Nadu government's unwavering commitment to enhancing rural housing and improving the living standards of the underprivileged.