LIFE Mission Nears 6 Lakh Homes: A Model for Inclusive Housing and Empowerment

Thiruvananthapuram: The Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment (LIFE) Mission is Kerala’s largest affordable housing project designed to address homelessness and inadequate housing among the economically weaker sections of society. Since its launch in 2018, the initiative has reached nearly six lakh families, providing them with secure and dignified homes.

As per recent updates, the mission has completed the construction of 4,62,412 houses, while 1,33,124 houses are currently under construction at various phases across the state. The aim is to ensure that over 6 lakh homeless individuals gain access to proper housing before the current project phase concludes.

The initiative covers both urban and rural areas, aiming to reduce housing shortages, especially for marginalised communities such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and economically weaker groups.

The LIFE Mission operates with a total allocation of Rs. 18,885 crore, with financial contributions from both the Union and State governments. The Union  government’s share amounts to Rs. 2,080 crore, while the state government has provided Rs. 16,005 crore. To accelerate ongoing construction projects, the Kerala Urban and Rural Development Finance Corporation has sanctioned an additional loan of Rs. 1,500 crore.

Each beneficiary under the scheme is entitled to financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh for house construction. This amount is enhanced to Rs. 6 lakh for homes constructed in Scheduled Caste residential areas. Further, extremely poor and homeless families are eligible to receive up to Rs. 6 lakh to purchase land and build homes.

One of the major challenges addressed by the LIFE Mission is the lack of land ownership among many beneficiaries. To overcome this, land distribution programs have been conducted in collaboration with local self-government institutions, the Tribal Welfare Department, and other related agencies.

Initiatives like the ‘Manasoode Ithiri Mannu’ (Little soil from the heart) land campaign and the LIFE Chittilappilly housing scheme have played a crucial role in allocating land to 45,755 families under the mission. 

The LIFE Mission has a beneficiary-centric approach, emphasizing transparency and participation at the grassroots level. Local bodies such as Panchayats and Municipalities are actively involved in identifying beneficiaries, monitoring construction, and ensuring that the houses meet quality standards. 

The mission promotes the use of innovative and sustainable building technologies to make housing affordable and durable. This includes adopting eco-friendly construction materials and practices aimed at reducing costs and environmental impact.

Employment generation is also a focus, with the project encouraging the involvement of local contractors, artisans, and construction workers, thereby supporting the local economy.

Beyond housing, the LIFE Mission integrates livelihood and social empowerment initiatives to ensure sustainable improvement in beneficiaries’ living standards. Programs related to skill development, financial literacy, and social security are linked with the housing project to create holistic benefits.