1. Introduction
Housing is a fundamental human need. A home provides safety, dignity, and a base for livelihood and well-being. Recognizing this, the Government of India and several state governments have launched various housing programs. Among them, the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme is one of the most prominent initiatives targeting the economically weaker sections. Under this banner, the “One Lakh Houses for You” sub-initiative aims to build 1,00,000 houses for the needy at a subsidized cost or free of cost.
2. Background of the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme
The Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme (RGHS) was named after the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, focusing on providing pucca houses for the homeless poor in rural and urban areas. The scheme initially started in the 1990s but gained momentum in subsequent decades. Various states, such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, have adopted and modified this scheme based on regional requirements.
3. Objectives of the Scheme
- Eradication of slums and kutcha houses
- Affordable housing for all under the “Housing for All” vision
- Empower SC/ST, OBC, minorities, and women-headed households
- Provide secure and durable housing
- Ensure livelihood integration and basic facilities (water, electricity, toilets)
4. “One Lakh Houses for You” – Overview
This is a special drive under RGHS to build 1 lakh houses in a financial year or across a few years depending on state capacity. For instance, in Karnataka, the Karnataka Slum Development Board (KSDB) undertakes this project in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL).
Key highlights:
- Free or subsidized housing
- Targeted at homeless families
- Inclusion of basic amenities
- Online beneficiary selection and geo-tagging
5. Eligibility Criteria
To avail the benefits under this scheme, beneficiaries must:
- Be a resident of the state
- Be homeless or living in a kutcha house
- Belong to the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category
- Do not own a pucca house
- Have land in own name (or eligible for land allotment by govt.)
- Priority for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities/Widows/Disabled
6. Beneficiary Categories
The houses are allocated as per the following reservation percentages (may vary by state):
- SC – 40%
- ST – 20%
- OBC – 15%
- Minorities – 10%
- General (EWS) – 15%
Special focus is also given to:
- Transgender individuals
- Single women
- Senior citizens
- Differently-abled persons
7. Financial Assistance Details
Central and State Funding Pattern:
- Total housing unit cost: ₹1.5 to ₹5 lakh depending on area and type
- Central share (in urban): ₹1.5 lakh
- State share: ₹1.0 – ₹2.0 lakh
- Beneficiary share: ₹0 to ₹0.5 lakh (based on category)
Some states completely waive off the beneficiary contribution for SC/ST or landless households.
8. Application Process
Applicants can apply via:
Online:
- Visit state housing portal (e.g., https://ashraya.karnataka.gov.in for Karnataka)
- Register using Aadhaar
- Upload documents
- Select scheme: “Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme”
Offline:
- Application forms available at Grama Panchayat, Urban Local Body, or RGRHCL district office
- Submit with supporting documents
9. Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- BPL Ration Card
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Land ownership certificate or RTC
- Self-declaration of no existing pucca house
- Passport size photograph
- Disability/widow/senior citizen certificate (if applicable)
10. Role of State Governments
- Land allocation for landless families
- Ensuring availability of construction materials
- Approving designs & estimates
- Monitoring through District Level Monitoring Committees (DLMCs)
- Integration with drinking water, toilets, and electrification schemes
11. Implementation Strategy
- Identification of eligible beneficiaries through survey and verification
- House construction via beneficiary-led construction (BLC) or contractor-based system
- Timely fund disbursal in installments
- Real-time monitoring through MIS and mobile apps
12. Housing Types and Designs
- 1BHK (One Bedroom-Hall-Kitchen)
- 300–600 sq. ft built-up area
- Designs suitable to local climate and cultural preferences
- Provision for future expansion
13. Construction Technologies Used
- Use of pre-fabricated materials
- Fly ash bricks, interlocking tiles
- Low-cost load-bearing walls
- Earthquake-resistant designs in seismic zones
14. Environmental and Safety Standards
- Eco-friendly construction material
- Provision for toilets under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- Rainwater harvesting where feasible
- Fire safety norms in urban buildings
15. Role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayats
- Beneficiary verification
- Site inspection and work certification
- Funds disbursal tracking
- Conducting Gram Sabhas for transparency
16. Monitoring and Evaluation
- MIS portal used to track progress
- Geo-tagged photographs of construction stages
- Social audits by third-party agencies
- Regular reviews by district and state nodal officers
17. Success Stories from Various States
- Karnataka: Over 5 lakh houses built under RGHS and One Lakh Houses
- Telangana: Integrated with 2BHK Housing Scheme
- Tamil Nadu: Used disaster-resistant designs in coastal areas
- Maharashtra: Slum redevelopment using RGHS funds
18. Challenges Faced
- Lack of suitable land in urban areas
- Delays in fund disbursement
- Quality control issues
- Corruption in beneficiary selection (mitigated by digital systems)
19. Government Measures to Overcome Challenges
- Digitized beneficiary selection
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank accounts
- Real-time dashboards for transparency
- Regular third-party evaluations
20. Digital Platform and Transparency Measures
- Mobile apps for geo-tagging and monitoring
- Public grievance redressal portals
- Dashboards showing district-wise progress
- Social media awareness campaigns
21. Integration with PMAY and Other Housing Schemes
- Houses under RGHS may also receive additional benefits under:
- PMAY-Gramin or Urban
- Swachh Bharat Mission (toilets)
- Saubhagya (electricity)
- Jal Jeevan Mission (water)
22. Impact on Employment and Local Economy
- Construction jobs created at local level
- Material suppliers and transporters benefit
- Boost to MSMEs producing bricks, cement, steel
- Indirect benefits to retail, transport, and small shops
23. Social Empowerment through Housing
- Boosts self-respect and dignity
- Better health outcomes due to improved sanitation
- Increased school attendance among children
- Safer environment for women and elderly
24. Women Empowerment Provisions
- Houses often registered in women’s names
- Joint ownership encouraged (husband-wife)
- Priority to widows and single women
- Training in construction for self-help groups
25. Role of NGOs and Community Participation
- NGOs help in:
- Identifying the homeless
- Mobilizing communities
- Quality monitoring
- Awareness generation
26. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Housing
- Use of solar panels
- Mud blocks, bamboo, and renewable resources
- Training in green building concepts
- Rainwater harvesting structures
27. Future Targets and Expansion Plans
- Increase from 1 lakh to 5 lakh homes annually
- 100% housing for SC/ST by 2030
- Inclusion of migrant workers and slum dwellers
- Urban redevelopment models with RGHS integration
28. Comparative Analysis with Similar Schemes
| Scheme | Target Group | Unit Cost | Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| RGHS | Rural & Urban Poor | ₹1.5–5 lakh | State Housing Board |
| PMAY | Urban Poor | ₹1.5–2.5 lakh | MoHUA |
| Biju Pucca Ghar (Odisha) | Rural Poor | ₹1.5 lakh | Panchayati Raj Dept |
| Indira Awas Yojana (Old) | Rural BPL | ₹70,000 (old rates) | Ministry of Rural Dev. |
29. Public Feedback and Suggestions
- Positive feedback for transparency and DBT
- Suggestions for:
- Faster fund release
- Local language support on portals
- Technical assistance for self-construction
30. Conclusion
The “One Lakh Houses for You” under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme is a landmark initiative with a deep social impact. By ensuring that even the poorest families have a safe, dignified, and permanent home, the scheme is not just about shelter — it is about hope, empowerment, and development.
With better monitoring, beneficiary support, eco-friendly construction, and digital governance, this scheme is poised to transform the lives of millions across India.
