Telangana's Indiramma Housing Scheme Expands to Include Smaller Plots

The Telangana government has launched the Indiramma Housing Scheme to provide financial support to the poor for building homes across the state. Under the scheme, beneficiaries with their own land will receive Rs 5 lakh to construct a house, marking a significant step toward improving housing facilities in rural and urban areas. The initiative has gained momentum, with construction of Indiramma houses underway in several villages.

Many beneficiaries have already completed their houses, while construction is still underway for others. In a recent move aimed at helping more people, the government has revised the eligibility criteria for the Indiramma housing scheme. Earlier, the rule required houses to be built on plots measuring between 400 and 600 square feet, which excluded several applicants. Under the new provision, even those with land smaller than 400 square feet (44.4 square yards) can now build their homes under the scheme.

To implement the revised policy, the government has introduced new guidelines permitting beneficiaries with smaller plots to construct homes under the G+1 model — comprising a ground and first floor. This move aims to ensure adequate living space and improve housing comfort despite limited land availability.

The initiative is seen as a major boost for low-income families and those with limited land, enabling them to realize their dream of owning a home. Beneficiaries can opt for two rooms on each floor or a spacious hall with a kitchen below and a bedroom above. Those interested can apply through the Deputy Executive Engineer of the Housing Department to construct a G+1 house. As per the guidelines, each unit must be built on an RCC frame with a carpet area of 323 sq ft, including a kitchen, bathroom, and toilet, in line with Vastu norms and the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Financially, beneficiaries will receive Rs. 1 lakh for the ground floor construction, another Rs. 1 lakh up to the roof level, Rs. 2 lakh for the first floor, and a final Rs. 1 lakh upon completion, totalling Rs. 5 lakh. Both the previous and revised systems remain advantageous, allowing applicants to choose the option that best suits their needs and comfort.

The scheme is being implemented across villages, towns, and municipalities. If the Rs 5 lakh funding falls short, beneficiaries can avail low-interest home loans through SERP in villages and MEPMA in urban areas. Experts recommend taking advantage of this opportunity during the government’s remaining three-year tenure.

The government also plans to develop Indiramma houses as G+3 apartment complexes in Hyderabad, with several sites already identified and occupied lands recently acquired. This large-scale implementation is expected to strengthen the Congress government’s political standing and could pose a challenge to the BRS in upcoming elections, political analysts suggest.