Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has announced an additional allocation of Rs 400 crore for the ‘Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam’ housing scheme, a significant move aimed at accelerating the construction of concrete homes for rural residents in the state. This new funding will be credited directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries, enhancing the efficiency and speed of the housing project. The total amount disbursed for the project, including this latest allocation, now stands at Rs 1,451 crore.
The ‘Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam’ scheme, named after the late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, is designed to provide durable concrete houses for rural families living in huts. Each house under this initiative will have a built-up area of 360 sq ft, which includes a kitchen. To ease the financial burden on beneficiaries, the state government is also providing construction materials such as cement and steel bars at subsidized rates through the state-run Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation (TNCC). The disbursal of funds follows the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, with beneficiaries receiving the amount in four instalments through a single nodal account. As of now, Rs 860.31 crore has been credited to the beneficiaries, while Rs 135.30 crore has been allocated for the construction materials required for the project.
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Tamil Nadu government has already issued orders for the construction of one lakh new houses under the scheme. The government plans to build a total of 8 lakh new houses by 2030 to replace the dilapidated huts that are common in rural areas. As part of the current phase, Rs 3,500 crore has been allocated at the rate of Rs 3.50 lakh per house to ensure timely progress. The scheme aims to improve the quality of life for rural residents by providing them with proper housing. It also addresses the long-standing challenge of inadequate housing in rural Tamil Nadu, where many families continue to live in substandard conditions. With the government’s active support, including the provision of essential construction materials and financial assistance, the ‘Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam’ scheme is set to make a significant impact on rural housing in the state.
