The TG Indiramma Housing Scheme, a key initiative by the Telangana government to provide homes for the underprivileged, is encountering major delays. The Indiramma Housing Survey, a crucial step in identifying scheme beneficiaries, is progressing slower than expected. Originally, the government had set a deadline to complete the survey by December 2024, but the slow pace, especially in urban areas, has created concerns about meeting this timeline.
Slow Progress in Survey Work
The survey is moving at a much slower pace than anticipated. Officials are reportedly reviewing only 5 to 10 applications daily, which is far below the required speed to meet the deadline. With just one week left, doubts are growing about whether the process can be completed on time.
Efforts to Speed Up the Survey
To address these delays, additional resources have been deployed. MEPM resource persons were assigned to various areas starting from this Tuesday, and junior assistants were also brought in to assist. However, despite these measures, the pace of work has not shown significant improvement.
Concerns from Senior Officials
Even with the additional staff, senior officials remain skeptical of completing the survey on time. They estimate that, at the current rate, it could take several more months to finish the process. This pessimism further highlights the challenges in implementing the Telangana Housing Scheme effectively.
Political Interference
Local political involvement is another major factor slowing down the survey. Reports indicate that local representatives, Indiramma Committee members, and Congress leaders are influencing survey staff, particularly in urban areas like towns and cities. This interference is making it difficult for officials to carry out their work efficiently.
Allegations of Corruption
The scheme is also facing allegations of corruption. In some regions, beneficiaries are reportedly being asked to pay advance fees of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 in exchange for assistance in securing a house under the scheme. These allegations have raised serious concerns about the exploitation of people who are already in need of affordable housing.
Calls for Transparency
Despite the challenges, government officials insist that the survey is being conducted transparently. They have assured the public that the house-to-house survey is based on an official list provided by the government. Authorities are urging people not to pay any money to third parties claiming to fast-track the process.
Warnings to Beneficiaries
Officials have also issued clear warnings to beneficiaries, emphasizing that no payments should be made to anyone promising expedited housing assistance. They have clarified that all payments must go through official channels and pledged to ensure transparency throughout the survey and beneficiary selection process.
Complaints Against Field Staff
Adding to the challenges, some field staff have been accused of refusing to cooperate with local public representatives. These complaints have complicated the survey process further, with some officials already facing disciplinary action as a result.
Conclusion
The TG Indiramma Housing Scheme is currently plagued by delays caused by inefficiency, political interference, and allegations of corruption. While the government maintains that the survey is being conducted transparently, the slow progress and ongoing issues have left beneficiaries uncertain about the scheme’s future. With the December deadline fast approaching, it remains unclear whether the survey will be completed on time or if further delays will impact the program’s implementation.
