LIFE Housing Scheme To Complete Five Lakh Houses By February: M B Rajesh

Thrissur: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s LIFE housing scheme is set to cross a major milestone, with the completion of five lakh houses by February, Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said on Thursday. He added that the occasion would be marked with a large-scale celebration, calling it a historic achievement in Kerala’s housing sector.

Rajesh said the LIFE project was conceived to ensure that every family has a safe and dignified home, and that the nearing completion of five lakh houses reflects the government’s sustained commitment to that goal.

Taking a dig at the Opposition, the minister referred to claims made by Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan on houses constructed by the UDF for disaster-affected people in Wayanad. “Satheesan says all figures are ‘clear’. In 30 seconds, he built 300 houses. LIFE Mission figures are not of that kind,” Rajesh said, questioning the credibility of the Opposition’s claims.

The minister also highlighted that the LIFE Mission has received national recognition, with NITI Aayog selecting it as one of the best practices in housing projects in the country.

So far, approval has been granted for the construction of 6,00,547 houses under the scheme. Of these, 4,76,076 houses have already been completed, while construction is progressing on another 1,24,471 houses, Rajesh said.

He pointed out that LIFE provides the highest financial assistance for housing construction in the country. Beneficiaries receive four lakh rupees per house, while Scheduled Tribe families are given six lakh rupees.

Rajesh also recalled that the UDF had earlier stated that it would shut down the LIFE Mission if it came to power, and questioned whether the Opposition still stood by that position, given the scale and impact of the project.