Karnataka to Complete 1.8 Lakh Affordable Houses by 2026: Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan
Bengaluru: Housing Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan on Monday assured that the long-pending housing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other state schemes would be completed within the stipulated deadline of December 2026, bringing relief to thousands of poor and slum-dwelling families across Karnataka.
PMAY Projects Back on Track
Responding to a question raised by MLA Siddu Patil in the Legislative Assembly, Khan revealed that 1,80,253 houses being implemented by the Karnataka Slum Development Board will be ready by 2026.
“The biggest hurdle was the non-payment of beneficiaries’ share, which had stalled the scheme. After taking up the matter with the Chief Minister, the government has now decided to bear the beneficiaries’ share for poor families,” the minister said.
According to Khan, the government has already released ₹500 crore to fast-track construction. In the first phase, 36,789 houses were allotted, while in the second phase, 40,345 houses are ready for allotment. He added that the Chief Minister has instructed officials to ensure all remaining works are completed within the 2026 deadline.
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Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme Faces Similar Hurdles
During a supplementary discussion, MLA Aravind Bellad sought clarification on housing projects under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation, where 47,870 houses were sanctioned for poor families.
Khan admitted that the scheme too was stalled for the same reason—beneficiaries’ inability to contribute their share.
“We have already placed this issue before the Chief Minister. He has given in-principle approval for the state to take responsibility for the contribution. The proposal will soon be tabled before the Cabinet for final approval,” Khan informed the House.
Once cleared, the minister assured that these houses would also be completed and handed over to families “at the earliest.”
A Policy Shift Towards Welfare
Analysts view this move as a policy shift towards a welfare-centric model where the state absorbs the financial burden of housing contributions that poor families are unable to afford. The decision is likely to benefit lakhs of urban and rural poor who have been waiting for years to receive promised housing.
The emphasis on slum redevelopment also aligns with Karnataka’s long-term urban renewal agenda, especially in Bengaluru, where slum-dwelling families make up a large share of the city’s low-income population.
Opposition’s Concerns
While the announcement was welcomed in the Assembly, some members from the Opposition raised concerns over delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and the quality of construction in previous phases. Housing activists have also urged the government to ensure transparent allotment processes and strict monitoring to prevent misuse of funds.
With both central and state-backed housing projects now set to be revived, Karnataka could witness one of its largest low-cost housing drives in recent years. If the government sticks to its commitment, over two lakh families could finally get permanent shelter by the end of 2026—a milestone that would significantly impact the state’s social welfare landscape.
🔹 Key Quotes
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“The government has decided to bear the beneficiaries’ share for the poor. This ensures that no family is deprived of housing due to financial inability.” – Zameer Ahmad Khan, Housing Minister
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“In the first phase, 36,789 houses were allotted; the second phase with 40,345 homes is ready. All projects will be completed by December 2026.” – Minister’s assurance in Assembly
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“Even the 47,870 Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation houses stalled earlier will now be revived after Cabinet approval.” – Khan on future plans
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“This is a major welfare step. The burden of cost should not fall on the poorest of poor.” – Chief Minister’s directive (as quoted by Khan)
