1. Introduction
Housing is a basic human right and a foundational need for socio-economic stability. Yet, millions in India live without a proper roof over their heads. The Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme (RGHS), initiated to bridge this gap, has been a symbol of India’s commitment to housing for all. The “One Lakh Houses for You” program under RGHS is a targeted sub-initiative to provide 100,000 affordable homes annually to marginalized families.
This mission ties into the broader vision of “Housing for All by 2030” under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. Genesis and History of the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme
The RGHS was launched in the early 1990s as a tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. It aimed to support economically weaker sections (EWS) by enabling them to own safe, durable, and affordable homes.
Evolution Timeline:
- 1990s: Scheme initiated by various states.
- 2000s: Integrated with state housing boards and rural development programs.
- 2010 onwards: States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh expanded and digitized the program.
- 2020–2025: Focus on scalability and merging with central schemes like PMAY.
3. Vision and Mission
Vision: To ensure every Indian family—especially from marginalized communities—has access to a safe, permanent, and dignified home.
Mission:
- Construct 1 lakh houses per year (state-wise target)
- Promote inclusive growth by involving SC, ST, OBC, minorities, and women
- Enhance livelihood and access to basic services
4. “One Lakh Houses for You” Program Explained
This initiative is often state-led, for example:
Karnataka Example:
- Executed by Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL)
- Partnered with Karnataka Slum Development Board (KSDB)
- Objective: Build 1 lakh homes for urban and rural poor under Ashraya schemes
Andhra Pradesh:
- Merged with YSR Housing Scheme, builds 1 lakh+ homes annually
- Includes free land distribution, cement subsidies
This initiative isn’t uniform nationwide. It’s adapted by each state, under RGHS or similar housing frameworks.
5. Types of Houses Built
Urban Units:
- G+1 or G+2 apartment blocks
- 350–500 sq. ft carpet area
- RCC frame with water, electricity, sewage, parking
Rural Units:
- Individual houses (pucca)
- 25’x30’ land area
- Brick walls, tile/slab roofing, basic utilities
6. Key Features and Components
- Free or subsidized housing
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to reduce corruption
- Houses built under Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) or Turnkey contracts
- Geo-tagging for transparency
- Name registration in favor of women or jointly
7. Eligibility in Detail
➤ Residential Proof
Applicant must be a permanent resident of the implementing state.
➤ Income Limit
- EWS: Income below ₹3 lakh/year
- LIG: ₹3–6 lakh/year (if applicable)
➤ Ownership Criteria
- Should not own a pucca house
- Should possess land or be eligible for land allocation
➤ Priority Groups
- SC/ST
- OBC
- Minorities
- Senior citizens
- Widows/single women
- Differently-abled individuals
8. Financial Outlay & Subsidy Breakdown
| Component | Amount (in ₹) |
|---|---|
| Central Assistance | ₹1.5 lakh (urban) |
| State Assistance | ₹1.5–2 lakh |
| Beneficiary Share | ₹0 to ₹50,000 |
| Total Cost per Unit | ₹3–5 lakh |
Some states fully waive beneficiary contributions for SC/ST or very poor families.
9. Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Online Process
- Visit housing portal (e.g., ashraya.karnataka.gov.in)
- Register with Aadhaar and mobile
- Choose “One Lakh Houses under RGHS” scheme
- Upload scanned documents
- Submit and get acknowledgement number
Offline Process
- Collect form from Gram Panchayat or ULB
- Attach documents and photographs
- Submit to RGRHCL or district housing office
- Await field verification
10. Mandatory Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Land documents or lease certificate
- BPL Ration Card
- Photograph
- Bank account details (for DBT)
11. Construction & Material Details
- Walls: Burnt bricks/fly ash bricks
- Roof: RCC slab or Precast cement sheets
- Doors/Windows: Steel/aluminum/PVC
- Flooring: Cement/tiles
- Water/Electricity: Provided under other government schemes
Sustainability Measures:
- Solar lights (optional)
- Compost pit and soak pit systems in rural areas
12. Monitoring and Execution Mechanism
- State-level Nodal Agency (e.g., RGRHCL)
- District-level committees monitor fund use and quality
- Field engineers ensure adherence to design and safety
- Use of MIS portals and mobile monitoring apps
13. Geo-Tagging and Mobile Monitoring
Houses are geo-tagged using GPS at three key stages:
- Foundation laying
- Roof level
- Completion
This prevents duplicate beneficiaries and ensures accountability.
14. Stakeholders Involved
- State Housing Board
- Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
- Panchayati Raj Institutions
- NABARD or banks for loan components
- Construction contractors & SHGs
- Third-party auditors
15. Integration with Other Government Schemes
- PMAY-U: Urban component for credit-linked subsidy
- PMAY-G: Rural housing integration
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Toilet construction
- Jal Jeevan Mission: Drinking water connectivity
- Saubhagya Yojana: Free electricity connection
16. Women Empowerment through Housing
- Houses often registered in women’s name
- Empowerment of single women and widows
- SHGs involved in construction material supply
- Encouragement of female masons and laborers
17. Beneficiary Testimonials & Case Studies
Case 1: Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Mahalakshmi, a widow and mother of 2, received a house under the scheme in 2023. Her mud hut was replaced with a pucca house with a toilet, electricity, and water.
Case 2: Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh
Dalit families in a remote village were given 50+ homes with tiled roofs, solar lamps, and ownership in the woman’s name.
18. Budget Allocation and Funding
- State government budgets ₹5,000–₹6,000 crores annually for the scheme.
- Central contribution released in 3 tranches:
- 40% on sanction
- 40% at roof level
- 20% on completion
Fund Flow Mechanism:
GoI ➝ State Treasury ➝ RGRHCL ➝ Beneficiary’s Bank
✅ 19. Technology & Innovation
- Mobile App for field engineers
- Aadhaar-based biometric verification
- Use of Drones in slum redevelopment
- AI-based predictive analytics for cost planning (pilot stage)
20. Challenges & Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Land unavailability | Government land bank utilization |
| Delays in fund release | DBT with milestone tracking |
| Contractor corruption | Use of SHGs & pre-verified vendors |
| Poor quality materials | Material procurement guidelines |
21. Public Awareness & Grievance Redressal
- Toll-free helpline
- Housing Mela / Janaspandana camps
- Social media handles of housing departments
- Feedback via mobile apps
22. Expansion Targets by 2030
- Build 20 lakh homes across all states by 2030
- Focus on Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities
- Inclusion of migrant workers and nomadic tribes
- Upgrade older houses under Retrofitting Schemes
23. Impact Analysis
Social Impact:
- Rise in girl child school enrollment
- Reduction in disease due to improved sanitation
- Reduced domestic abuse (privacy & security)
Economic Impact:
- Construction labor employment
- MSME supply chain growth
- Asset creation leads to creditworthiness
24. Summary
The One Lakh Houses for You under RGHS initiative is a strong pillar of India’s social welfare net. It not only offers housing but a gateway to dignity, security, and development. By integrating with other welfare programs, using technology, empowering women, and involving local communities, this scheme is laying the foundation for an inclusive and equitable India.
25. Conclusion
If properly implemented and scaled, the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme’s “One Lakh Houses” mission can transform millions of lives. A home is not just a shelter—it is a source of hope, security, opportunity, and pride. Every family that receives a house moves one step closer to living a dignified, empowered life.
