C Pradeep Kumar
Vijayawada
Fulfilling the promises made to the people of Andhra Pradesh before the 2019 elections, YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, upon assuming office as Chief Minister, embarked on a mission to implement the flagship ‘Navaratnalu’ welfare schemes. His topmost priority was addressing the plight of the homeless population across the State. Under his leadership, the YSRCP government has successfully distributed house site pattas to more than 30 lakh beneficiaries.
In his pursuit to uplift the impoverished without shelter, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has encountered staunch opposition from political adversaries. Despite legal challenges, including cases filed in both the AP High Court and the Apex Court, CM Jagan Mohan Reddy remains steadfast in his commitment to overcoming all obstacles posed by opposition parties.
The cornerstone of the Chief Minister’s mission has been to provide property to the underprivileged in the form of their own homes. Over 30 lakh house pattas have been distributed, with construction already underway for 18,63,604 houses within 17,000 Jagananna Colonies scattered across the state. These colonies are poised to evolve into new Gram Panchayats and Nagarpalikas across all 26 districts in Andhra Pradesh.
The houses being built under this scheme boast modern amenities, including bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, bath-cum-toilets, and verandas, all spanning 340 sqft. The government’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the provision of energy-efficient appliances for each beneficiary. This not only reduces energy consumption but also translates into significant savings for each household, exemplifying the government’s dedication to the welfare of its citizens. The YSRCP Government’s ambition knows no bounds as it undertakes the monumental task of constructing 18.63 lakh houses in two phases.
Phase-I comprises an astounding 15.60 lakh houses, while Phase-II will include 3.03 lakh houses, each priced at Rs. 1.80 lakh, amounting to a colossal project worth Rs 33,534 Crores. Progress has been steady, with 15 lakh houses already dotting the landscape.
The government’s dedication extends beyond housing, encompassing the transformation of Jagananna colonies into fully-equipped villages. With a substantial investment of Rs 32,900 Crores, this ambitious initiative includes vital infrastructure such as water supply, drainage, electricity, and meticulously constructed CC roads in Phase-I and II layouts.
The government is sparing no effort in ensuring these colonies receive all necessary infrastructure facilities, including internal roads, access to clean water, electricity, and soak pits. Additionally, the houses are being painted in prescribed colors, adorned with Warli art, and feature welcoming arches.
Under the vigilant guidance of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Housing Department officials are working tirelessly to ensure the timely completion of the house constructions and their handover to the beneficiaries. Minister Jogi Ramesh, Special Chief Secretary Housing Ajay Jain, MD Lakshmisha, and other officials are closely monitoring construction activities through regular review meetings and site visits, ensuring the highest quality standards are met.
For beneficiaries like Subhramamanyeswari and Varalakshmi of Kothapalli, Kakinada district, the dream of owning a home has come true. They previously worked as daily wage laborers, residing in cramped rented accommodations. Now, they rejoice in their newfound happiness as proud homeowners in a Jagananna colony, equipped with all necessary facilities.
While the joy of E Jeevaratnam, a beneficiary of the model house in Krishnayapalem layout of Mangalagiri mandal in Guntur district, was short-lived due to legal hurdles in the R5 zone, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s commitment to providing housing solutions for the poor continues to shine through.
