By M. Rajanikanth | Bureau Chief
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Government’s flagship Two-Bedroom Housing Scheme, popularly known as the Dignity Housing Scheme, is transforming the lives of economically weaker families across the state. Launched in 2015, this initiative offers 100% subsidised housing to ensure dignity and better living conditions for over 5.72 lakh homeless families.
As part of the scheme’s third phase, which began on October 2, 2023, nearly 19,000 families were handed over keys to new homes. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme, its eligibility criteria, and the allocation process.
About the Two-Bedroom Housing Scheme
The scheme is designed to provide durable housing to Telangana’s underprivileged families, enabling them to live without the burden of loans or additional financial contributions. Overseen by the Telangana State Housing Corporation Limited, the programme ensures urban beneficiaries receive flats in multi-storey buildings, while rural families are allotted independent homes.
Each home covers 560 sq ft and includes two bedrooms, a hall, a kitchen, and two toilets.
Eligibility Criteria
Families must meet the following requirements to qualify:
The household should fall below the poverty line and possess a Food Security Card in the name of the head of the family or their spouse.
The family must not own a house and should currently reside in temporary shelters, huts, or rented spaces.
To ensure gender inclusivity, the house is registered in the name of the female head of the family.
How Beneficiaries Are Selected
The allocation process is designed to identify the most deserving candidates:
Villages are selected by a District Level Committee.
Applicants can collect and submit forms at MeeSeva centres or Gram Sabhas.
Preliminary screening happens at the Gram Sabha level, followed by a detailed verification by the Tahsildar.
The District Collector approves the final list, which is then made public.
An appellate committee addresses complaints to ensure fairness.
Social Quotas for Allocation
The scheme ensures inclusivity by reserving specific quotas for different social groups:
Rural Areas: SC/ST (50%), Minorities (7%), Others (43%).
Urban Areas: SC (17%), ST (6%), Minorities (12%), Others (65%).
Cost of Housing Units
The cost of a 2BHK home varies based on location and infrastructure provided:
Rural Areas: ₹6.29 lakh.
Urban Areas: ₹6.05 lakh.
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Areas: ₹7.75 lakh (up to G+3 buildings) and ₹8.65 lakh (for high-rise buildings).
In the latest distribution drive, homes were allocated to 19,020 families in areas such as Dundigal, Mansanpally, and Shankarpally. The scheme combines funds from the state and central governments under the ‘Housing for All’ initiative to ensure financial viability.
Impact of the Scheme
The Dignity Housing Scheme stands as a testament to Telangana’s commitment to improving the quality of life for economically disadvantaged families. With robust infrastructure, gender-inclusive policies, and a transparent selection process, the scheme not only provides homes but also instills a sense of security and dignity among its beneficiaries.
Families who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this life-changing opportunity.
