Wanaparthy: The State government launched the Indiramma Housing program to help the poor own homes. However, the reality has been different. For a decade, the BRS government did not approve any houses, leaving many families in villages without homes. Recently, 3,500 houses were approved for the Wanaparthy constituency, with MLA Thudi Megha Reddy sanctioning 360 houses for Pebbair mandal.
The poor were hopeful, thinking they would soon have homes. Selection of beneficiaries was done transparently, and approval letters were given. Yet, Reddy’s plan for quick construction faced delays.
In the mandal headquarters, only the initial markings for houses are visible. Many houses are still at the foundation stage, and about 260 have reached the basement and wall level. Progress is slow, and there are complaints about officials not informing people properly.
Of the 360 houses approved for Pebbair mandal, 144 are within municipal limits. In Eerladine village, a pilot project approved 73 houses, but only 37 were marked, and just one has reached the slab stage. Records show only 99 houses in the mandal have finished the basement stage.
Ironically, those who need houses and are ready to build haven’t been approved, while others, who are less serious, have been. Before Telangana became a state, more applicants were encouraged with issued bills for completed houses. Now, due to geo-tagging, the process is slower.
The 600 sq. ft. land requirement is a hurdle for many, as some plots are slightly smaller or larger. Some beneficiaries have written statements saying they can’t proceed with construction. In Pebbair municipality, over 22 families have opted out. Officials are now questioning where the oversight happened.
Former Eerladine sarpanch Ravinder suggested, “If the government removes the 600 sq. ft. rule, poor people would benefit. Some plots are just slightly off.” MPDO in-charge Roja stated, “99 houses have completed the basement level. Bills for 49 houses are ready, and within 15 days, funds will be deposited into beneficiaries’ accounts.”
