Thiruvananthapuram: The Union Government has approved the construction of 1,97,000 houses in Kerala under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for the current fiscal year, with 60,000 of these designated for Scheduled Tribes.

Currently, PMAY houses are being constructed under the state government’s 'LIFE' mission, aimed at providing housing for the homeless. The central government's contribution is Rs 72,000 per house, while the overall cost per house under the LIFE mission is Rs 4 lakh. The remaining cost of the project is borne by the state and local self-governments.

The project faced uncertainty last year when the central government mandated that its branding be displayed on houses. However, the state refused to agree with the demand. 

Minister MB Rajesh highlighted in a letter that branding requirements could undermine the dignity of beneficiaries. However, the Centre failed to respond to the letter.  

However, Kerala can only proceed with the scheme if the central government allocates the number of houses annually under the PMAY. The allocation of 2.01 lakh houses intended for the previous two years was withheld due to the ongoing dispute. Recently, the central government finally approved 1.97 lakh houses and sanctioned Rs 64 crores as the first instalment. 

The challenge ahead for Kerala is fundraising, as Rs 6,461.6 crores will be required to cover the state’s share of Rs 3.28 lakh for each of the 1.97 lakh houses.