The ‘Pedalandariki Illu’ scheme a revolutionary step in providing shelter to the poor
SEELAM AROZIE
VIJAYAWADA
Despite ongoing criticism from the Opposition regarding the State government’s efforts to improve the living conditions of the weaker sections, the ruling YSRCP stands by its claim of being at the forefront of welfare and development initiatives, surpassing the achievements of any previous administration. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the YSRCP government highlight their flagship housing programme ‘Pedalandariki Illu’ as a significant endeavour to provide shelter to all those in need. Ensuring housing for the impoverished has remained a top priority for the State government. Emphasising their commitment to social equality, a senior YSRCP leader revealed that even in Amaravati, the capital region initially envisioned for high-ranking officials and the affluent, the State government is dedicated to providing housing for the less fortunate. The government seeks to rectify past disparities and ensure complete justice in this matter.
Over the last four years, the Andhra Pradesh government has distributed 30,60,000 house site pattas exclusively to women, in alignment with their pre-election manifesto promises made in 2019. In addition, the YSRCP, upon assuming power, has been distributing TIDCO houses to the underprivileged at a token cost of Re 1. Currently, the State government is constructing 17 lakh houses in 21,000 colonies, with varying degrees of progress. The recent inauguration of a TIDCO house colony in Gudivada by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy drew significant attention and celebration in Krishna district. To ensure housing for the needy in the capital region of Amaravati, the government has taken proactive measures, including amending the CRDA Act to facilitate housing allocation.
The YSRCP leader emphasized that under the ‘Pedalaku Illu’ scheme, the government places a priority on providing investment locations and well-equipped houses to deserving beneficiaries. The proper implementation of the CRDA Act and the establishment of the R-5 Zone for effective planning signify a new chapter in the history of Andhra Pradesh, according to the YSRCP leader.
The government clarified its stance, asserting that the capital belongs to everyone, irrespective of official positions or wealth. They made a revolutionary decision to strive for equality in the capital, in response to protests in Amaravati, Mandadam, Ainavolu, Krishnayapalem, Navuluru, and Kuragallu regions, where 50,000 individuals have been grappling with housing shortages. ‘Pedalandariki Illu’ (Homes for All) is part of the ‘Navaratnalu’ initiative aimed at providing housing plots to the economically weaker sections of society in Amaravati. However, the decision to provide housing plots has faced opposition from certain farmers and opposition parties. The distribution of housing plots to the poor has already commenced in villages across the State in two phases. In contrast, the previous Telugu Desam government had required beneficiaries of TIDCO houses to pay in installments, a practice that has been discontinued by the YSRCP government.
