The Kochi Municipal Corporation has come under fire for its failure to disburse crucial funds for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Life Mission housing schemes, leaving 80 beneficiaries awaiting financial support. Despite having a substantial balance of ₹28 crore in its dedicated bank account for these schemes, the corporation has not released the necessary funds, delaying the completion of housing projects for families in need.
M G Aristotle, Secretary of the UDF Parliamentary Party in the corporation, expressed frustration over the situation: “We have learned that around 80 beneficiaries are still waiting for the release of funds. Despite the bank account having around ₹28 crore, the corporation has failed to disburse the funds, causing unnecessary delays in housing construction.”
Beneficiaries who have received partial payments are struggling to complete their homes. For example, Sudheesh T S from Palluruthy shared his experience, saying, “We received only ₹80,000 out of the ₹1.6 lakh that was due to us. They cite a shortage of funds, but we are struggling to complete the construction.” The corporation has pointed to delays in receiving the Union government’s share of funds as a key factor contributing to the issue. According to Mayor M Anilkumar, the corporation often has to rely on its own funds due to the delay in central disbursements. “We are asked to use our own funds temporarily, which will later be adjusted when the Union government’s share is received. This long delay in getting the central share hampers the implementation of the scheme,” said the mayor. However, local officials are reluctant to divert funds from other projects to meet the urgent housing needs. “If we divert funds from other earmarked projects for PMAY/Life Mission, we may be held accountable if those projects face delays,” said a senior official within the corporation. This ongoing delay has left many families in a difficult position, as they await the promised financial support to build homes under these vital housing schemes.
