In a move that has raised serious concerns, particularly for the economically weaker sections of society, the Tamil Nadu government under the DMK’s Dravidian Model has approved a significant reduction in housing units sanctioned under the Central Government’s Prime Minister’s Urban Housing Scheme, PM Awas Yojana.
This scheme aimed at achieving “Housing for All”—is a joint initiative between the Central and State governments, providing financial support for the construction of homes for the urban poor. Implemented through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, the scheme has seen substantial progress in the state. Of the 6.70 lakh houses sanctioned across 5,264 projects, about 6.05 lakh units have already been completed. However, thousands of homes remain pending.
As part of the scheme’s second phase, a recent state-wise review conducted by the Central Government resulted in approval for Tamil Nadu’s proposal to withdraw from constructing 3,324 houses and reduce the overall housing allocation by an additional 6,600 units.
Breaking down the figures, an official from the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board reportedly recommended reducing 142 houses across six construction schemes and 6,458 units from 1,254 subsidy-based schemes adding up to 6,600 houses.
Furthermore, the government has opted to completely drop plans for 3,324 houses 3,264 of which were part of four housing construction schemes, and 60 from 14 subsidy-based initiatives.
The Central Government’s high-level committee accepted these proposals, reportedly due to issues like community resistance and unsuitable land conditions.
Still, the timing and rationale behind these recommendations have sparked criticism. With the demand for affordable housing rising sharply across Tamil Nadu, many are questioning why the state would voluntarily forego homes and funding already sanctioned by the Centre. Critics argue that the state, which frequently accuses the Central Government of withholding support, is now contradictorily declining the very aid it claims to lack.
The move has raised concerns about governance priorities and has put a spotlight on the state’s commitment to social welfare, particularly for its most vulnerable citizens.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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