9.5 Lakh Eligible Beneficiaries Identified for Housing Assistance

The Andhra Pradesh Government has intensified its efforts to provide permanent housing to economically weaker sections, with the coalition administration reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every eligible family has a roof over its head. Housing has emerged as a key welfare priority, with the government seeking to bridge longstanding gaps in access to safe and dignified living conditions.

Speaking at a media briefing in Amaravati, Housing Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy said the government's objective is to transform the dream of homeownership into reality for lakhs of poor families across the state. He noted that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has accorded significant importance to the housing sector, both through enhanced budgetary allocations and by securing greater support from the Union Government.

The minister highlighted the housing achievements recorded during the previous 2014–19 administration , when 13.04 lakh houses were sanctioned. Of these, 8.04 lakh houses were completed and handed over to beneficiaries after an expenditure of ₹10,194 crore . Additional financial assistance was also extended to disadvantaged communities, with SC and ST beneficiaries receiving ₹50,000 per house and tribal families receiving ₹75,000 in extra support.

Drawing a comparison with the subsequent government, Parthasarathy said that while 18.61 lakh houses were sanctioned during that period, only 6.70 lakh units were completed despite spending ₹9,588 crore . He further alleged that the cancellation of 4.36 lakh previously sanctioned houses , where beneficiaries had already begun construction using their own savings, adversely affected thousands of low-income families.

The minister pointed out that although 20.29 lakh house sites were distributed across Andhra Pradesh, housing units are yet to be sanctioned for 12.39 lakh sites , leaving a substantial number of beneficiaries waiting for assistance. Addressing this backlog, he said, remains a major focus of the present government.

According to Parthasarathy, the pace of implementation has accelerated since the coalition government assumed office. Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) , PMAY-Gramin , and the PM-JANMAN programme for vulnerable tribal communities, a total of 86,714 houses have been sanctioned. The government has so far spent ₹2,102 crore , while the construction of 4.56 lakh houses has been completed.

Demand for housing assistance continues to remain strong. Of the 10.42 lakh fresh applications received by the government, scrutiny has identified 9.50 lakh eligible beneficiaries . In response, the Centre has sanctioned 74,812 houses in the first phase, paving the way for further expansion of the programme.

Under PMAY Urban 2.0 , the cost of each housing unit has been fixed at ₹2.50 lakh , with the Central Government contributing ₹1.50 lakh and the State Government providing ₹1 lakh . Beneficiaries under rural housing schemes will also have access to interest-free loans and support through MGNREGS , reducing the financial burden of construction.

To ensure faster execution and better monitoring, the Housing Department has deployed 370 Engineering Assistants across the state. The department has also been entrusted with completing housing projects under the Polavaram rehabilitation and resettlement programme , a critical component of the state's efforts to support displaced families.

With lakhs of eligible households still awaiting permanent homes, the government's renewed housing push is expected to play a crucial role in improving living standards, enhancing social security, and advancing the broader goal of inclusive development in Andhra Pradesh.