Kerala Model Development : Housing

The housing department of any state or country, for that matter, has a strenuous job. They have to ensure that their citizens have a house to call their own. In Kerala, there is a much larger population than the country of Canada.

How did they manage to provide housing to their citizens and handle the scores of migrants? We will find out this by the end of the post. It is amazing to note that a developing country’s state has managed to achieve so much in the Third World today. 

It is all thanks to the efforts of the health and education department in the state. They have ensured that their people have the best health facilities and education. This has immensely provided that their citizens are self-sustainable. 

However, there are some vulnerable people in society. Some have mental issues, some have physical problems, and some are widows or orphans. It is heartening to know that the housing department has taken major steps for them. 

Besides, the state has made a wonderful transition with low population growth and a low infant mortality rate. This fact has also led to a low crude death rate. The life expectancy in the state is close to 75 years for both men & women. 

Their infrastructure is among the best globally and almost on par with developed countries. That probably has to do with the fact that the majority of the working population are based abroad. They send large amounts of funds for the development of the state. 

This feature has helped in drastically reducing poverty and the population as well. The housing programmes can be evenly distributed among the homeless, widows, orphans, and physically challenged individuals. 

Kerala Model Development – Housing

The Kerala model development: housing is entirely based on the LIFE Mission. Through the programme, several homes were constructed for those in need. As of 2021, close to 12000 houses have been constructed for the beneficiaries in the state. 

LIFE is also known as the Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment scheme. In 2020, Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala, inaugurated 20 housing complexes. The programme is currently in phase III, and close to 1.5 lakh stand to benefit through it. 

Classification Of Housing In Kerala

The housing definition of Kerala would revolve around the LIFE mission Kerala programme. The programme is developing slowly in phases, with phase II already implemented. More than 80% of the homes have been completed and given to the beneficiaries, according to market data. 

The LIFE Mission programme is a significant step towards housing projects in Kerala. It enables the landless & homeless to own a house and have a roof over their heads. The state government wants to construct close to 5 lakh homes in another 5 years. 

The complexes will see modern facilities and the basic amenities in them. The beneficiaries can reside in them and work towards their living. Social workers will also be aided by finding and learning hand skills, providing healthcare, and giving geriatric support.

Using these skills, they can actively participate in the processes in society. Doing that enables them to reap the benefits of the social welfare systems in place. The programme is eligible for people living near the coastal, plantation, and even in temporary housing. 

The eligibility criteria to receive the homes are as below: 

• They must be homeless or not own any property
• They must not have any property or construction activity currently going on
• They can possess a temporary home in a plantation or exotic area 

They are chosen based on the following priority criteria:

• The physically and mentally challenged
• The poor and heterosexuals
• Those with fatal illnesses
• The mothers who are unmarried or unemployed 
• Finally, the widows

The key eligibility criteria are given below:

• Those working in the government sector cannot apply 
• The yearly income should not be more than 3 lakhs
• The applicant must be a resident of Kerala
• They must not own any land or property in Kerala
• The families who are homeless having ration cards can apply for the scheme 

What Is The Cost Of Building A House In Kerala

In a state like Kerala, one can find large and palatial homes across major cities. However, the bungalows and classic designed houses can be found in many rural areas. Though the homeowners are involved in agricultural activities, they take pride in their large homes. 

Having said that, when compared to other states, the cost of building a 1200 sq ft house in Kerala is relatively cheaper. One will require at least 20 lakhs for 1200 sq ft. Likewise, if you want to build a 2000 sq ft house in Kerala, you will require 40 lakhs. 

One might want to add 20% of expenses towards miscellaneous items. Those who plan on building a 1000 sq ft house in Kerala might find it quite cheap in Kochi itself. Depending on the land area where you plan on building, you will need to pay for it. 

The cost can vary from INR 1500 to INR 1800 per sq ft. There is also the material, labour, and consultation fee to think about. It is heartening to note despite less area in this state, the construction quality and the rate is acceptable. 

Conclusion 

From the post, we learned about the Kerala model development: housing and the classification of housing. They have surpassed most of the states in the country. Besides, the educational policy in the state has worked in favour of them. 

Most of the Keralites are highly educated and have plum posts. This fact has enabled the construction sector in the state to develop massively. Also, the industry in Kerala has employed several thousand migrants. They benefit from the welfare programmes that the current government is introducing.