C PRADEEP KUMAR
VIJAYAWADA
In an unprecedented move, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will hand over more than 5 lakh houses to beneficiaries across the State on either October 9 or 10. This occasion marks a significant milestone in the YSRCP flagship programme, ‘Navaratnalu-Pedalandariki Illu’, and will be celebrated with grand housewarming ceremonies in various Jagananna colonies across the State.
Initially scheduled for October 5, the massive housewarming event underwent several postponements. The meticulous preparations were overseen by Housing Corporation Chairman D Dorababu, Housing Minister Jogi Ramesh, and housing department officials Ajay Jain and Lakshmisha, among others. However, at the last moment, the date was rescheduled to either October 9 or 10.
The CM is slated to kick off the historic housewarming event in the Jagananna colonies, setting a new record for 5 lakh houses being celebrated simultaneously.
According to officials, Jagan will commence the event by inaugurating newly constructed ‘Navaratnalu-Pedalandariki Illu’ houses in ETC Layout, Samalkot, and will then lead the mass housewarming ceremonies.
Leaders of the YSRCP assert that constructing and inaugurating half a million houses in a mass housewarming event is unprecedented not only in Andhra Pradesh but also throughout the country. The Jagan government is poised to establish a record in the field of housing. CM Jagan has given top priority to this housing initiative, with the aim of providing houses in the name of women in two phases, each consisting of 1.5 million houses. Leaders also stated that after the mass housewarmings, the CM intends to complete the remaining houses in the first phase and subsequently finish the second phase before the 2024 elections, ensuring shelter for all and garnering positive support.
The CM said that Rs 15,810 crore will be allocated this year for the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government’s flagship ‘Pedalandariki Illu’ mega housing programme. He refuted allegations made by the Opposition Telugu Desam regarding the housing projects. He pointed out that, in addition to granting immovable property to 31 lakh families, the government is constructing houses for them and providing essential infrastructure such as wide roads, underground drainage, underground power cables, drinking water, and Internet connectivity.
Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary of Housing, revealed that the Andhra Pradesh State Housing Department has successfully achieved its target of constructing 500,653 houses across the state by the end of August, as per CM Jagan’s instructions under the Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu Scheme.
Lakshmisha, Managing Director of AP Housing Corporation, has been organising review meetings with district officials and providing guidance to meet their targets. He informed that, as of August 28, the construction of 5,00,653 houses had been completed across 26 districts in Andhra Pradesh.
