K.M. Mani, Minister for Finance, Law, and Housing, handed over 40 flats constructed under the Athani scheme on the Irangadanpalli road, near Kovoor in the city, on Tuesday.
The innovative rental housing scheme under the Kerala State Housing Board (KSHB) is aimed at the low-income groups, especially those who hail from faraway places but work in the city.
The Minister handed over the keys to the new tenants of the apartments, each comprising a bedroom, a visitors’ room, kitchen, and a bathroom (total 31.87 sq m), on the occasion.
Mr. Mani said the ‘Grihasree’ housing project implemented by the State government for the homeless would be further liberalised. At the moment, funds for houses under the project were raised through contributions from the State government (Rs.2 lakh), voluntary organisations (Rs.1 lakh); and from the beneficiary (Rs.1 lakh). “Involvement of more generous institutions and individuals would be sought to make it more effective,” he said.
The apartments under the Athani scheme here were built on 33.75 cents of land under the KSHB. The project also comprises a drinking water distribution system and rainwater harvesting facility. Eligible occupants were selected by an allotment committee after scrutinising the applications. Initially, the flats will be given for a period of 11 months, which can be extended to a maximum of 33 months later.
Ten per cent of the total facilities will be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribess while 33 per cent of it would be kept for widows, spinsters, and divorcees.
A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, presided over the function. District Collector C.A. Latha and KSHB chairman Arakkal Balakrishnan spoke.
