HUBBALLI: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Saturday that his government is actively working to provide housing for slum dwellers, aiming to integrate them into mainstream society.
Speaking at a significant event marking the dedication of 42,345 houses out of a total of 1,80,253 being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana ‘Shelter for All’, the Chief Minister handed out house allotment letters and title deeds as part of the Slum Development Board’s golden jubilee celebrations.
Reflecting on his previous term, he noted, “During my first tenure as Chief Minister from 2013-18, our Congress government constructed 14,58,000 houses, leading a housing revolution. Now, in my second term starting in 2023, we distributed 36,789 houses in the first phase, and we are set to hand over another 45,000 in the second phase.” He emphasized, “We have kept our promises,” while criticizing the BJP and the Central government.
The CM asserted that while his government allocates Rs 4 to 5 lakh for each home, the central government’s contribution is less than Rs 1 lakh, adding, “Despite the scheme being called Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the funds come primarily from the state.” He mentioned that the Congress government has invested Rs 5,500 crore in housing over two years.
In response to BJP’s claims about financial constraints, he stated, “We allocate Rs 2,500 crore annually as subsidies for farmers’ pump sets and are also investing significantly in social security schemes like widow and old-age pensions.” Earlier, during the event, a cutout of political leaders fell, injuring three individuals, who are now being treated in a local hospital.
Following the incident, the CM visited the injured and instructed officials to ensure they receive top-notch treatment and medication at no cost until they fully recover, according to a statement from his office.
Meanwhile, the BJP staged a protest, claiming the government overlooked opposition leaders during the event.
