LIFE Mission Kerala: A Comprehensive Overview
LIFE Mission Kerala stands for Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment. This ambitious initiative aims to provide free housing for all landless and homeless individuals in the state. Here’s an overview of the scheme, including eligibility criteria, application process, and current progress.
Kerala State Housing Board
Established on March 5, 1971, the Kerala State Housing Board is tasked with addressing the housing needs across various income groups. Operating under the Kerala State Housing Board Act 1971, the board offers a structured approach to housing development in Kerala.
LIFE Mission Kerala Overview
The LIFE Mission Kerala is designed to offer comprehensive shelter solutions for the homeless, focusing on providing free housing. The scheme is rolled out in phases and aims to cover landless and homeless populations throughout the state. Key areas of the scheme include:
- Affordable Housing
- Public Infrastructure Development
- Agricultural Support
- Natural Resource Management Improvement
So far, the scheme has successfully provided over 300,000 homes, with a total project cost exceeding Rs 4,000 crore. Funding comes from state agencies, local governments, the Union government, and various social organizations. The initiative aims to build 500-square-foot houses at a cost of Rs 4 lakhs each, adapting the Union government’s Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for local needs.
The goal is to provide modern housing to approximately 4.30 lakh homeless individuals over five years. The scheme also addresses the needs of those who have received aid from other programs but have not yet completed their housing construction.
Priority is given to coastal residents, plantation workers, and those living in government-run temporary shelters. The scheme envisions beneficiaries actively participating in the maintenance of housing complexes and accessing essential social services like primary health care, skill development, and financial inclusion.
Also Read: What is the HRIDAY Scheme?
Beneficiaries of LIFE Mission Kerala
The LIFE Mission Kerala is aimed at:
- Homeless individuals
- Those with incomplete housing or no place to live
- Residents of coastal or plantation areas temporarily
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a house under the LIFE Mission Kerala, applicants must:
- Be residents of Kerala
- Be landless or belong to the ration card holder category
- Have an annual income not exceeding Rs 3 lakh
- Not be employed by the government
- Possess a state-issued ration card
- Preference is given to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, economically weaker sections (EWS), fishermen communities, and those from flood-affected areas
Required Documents
Applicants need to provide the following documents:
- Ration Card
- Caste Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Income Certificate
- Medical Certificate (for differently-abled applicants)
Online Application Procedure
- Create an Account: Visit the LIFE Mission website, select "New Registration," and enter your mobile number and name to generate an OTP. Complete the registration by creating a password.
- Log In: Use your mobile number and password to access the LIFE Mission Scheme website.
- Check Eligibility: Click to verify eligibility and select the appropriate forms.
- Fill in Details: Enter your 10-digit ration card number, personal information, and details about your bank account and property.
- Upload Documents: Submit the necessary documents and click “Submit Application.”
Selection Process
Applications are compared with the Union Government's social and economic caste survey (2011). Field officers conduct verifications at the applicant’s residence. The finalized list is published on the official website, with appeals possible at the Panchayat level for those not listed.
Progress of LIFE Mission Kerala Housing Scheme
- July 2019: HUDCO provided Rs 375 crore for the project.
- February 2020: Over 200,000 homes were built.
- September 2020: Completion of 29 housing complexes.
- January 2021: Over 1.5 lakh homes under construction.
- September 2021: Allocation of over 12,000 homes by the state government.
- August 2022: List of more than four lakh families published.
- August 2024: Rs 350 crore allocated for construction completion.
Contact Information
For more details, contact the LIFE Mission Kerala office:
- Helpline Number: 0471 2335524
- Email Address: lifemissionkerala@gmail.com
- Office Address: BSNL Bhawan, 3rd Floor, Uppalam Road, Statue, Thiruvananthapuram - 695001
Conclusion
LIFE Mission Kerala is a significant initiative by the Kerala government aimed at addressing the housing needs of underprivileged populations. By focusing on social inclusion and providing modern housing solutions, this scheme helps integrate homeless families into society, offering them a path to a better standard of living.
Also Read: PM SVAMITVA Yojana Property Card Scheme - Online Registration, Eligibility & Updates
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Ans 1. The four primary goals of the LIFE Mission Kerala Housing Scheme are to boost agriculture, enhance natural resource management, provide affordable housing, and improve public infrastructure. Under this initiative, more than three lakh residences have been handed over thus far.
Ans 2. Applicants must belong to the specific income group targeted by the scheme (EWS, LIG, MIG). Applicants must be residents of Kerala. Applicants or their immediate family members should not own a residential property in the project area. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Ans 3. Of the total amount spent, ₹10,000 crore has come from Budget allocation and ₹5,000 from local government bodies. Money has also come through loans from Hudco. Life Mission allots ₹4 lakh per house, while the PMAY scheme provides ₹72,000 per house. The Adivasi community is provided with ₹6 lakh per house.
Ans 4. LIFE Mission Kerala Housing Scheme 2024: Latest Updates (February 2024) In the Kerala State budget, the government allocated a total of Rs 1,132 crore for the LIFE housing scheme to construct a total of 4.25 lakh houses by the end of this fiscal year.
Ans 5. The house tax exemption applies to those included in the LIFE Punargeha schemes. The LIFE Mission is aimed at providing houses measuring less than 650 square feet.