Despite the ₹5 lakh financial assistance provided by the Telangana government for the construction of houses under the Indiramma Indlu scheme, several beneficiaries have dipped into their savings or taken loans, as rising construction material and labour costs have pushed expenses beyond the sanctioned amount. Officials say shear wall technology could help keep construction costs within ₹5 lakh. However, the technology has not yet gained widespread acceptance.G. Suraj (name changed), a youngster from Sangareddy district, was among the beneficiaries who saw his dream of owning a house take shape with the Indiramma Indlu scheme. But completing the house cost him an additional ₹5 lakh over and above the government subsidy.While construction stretched over nine months as the prices of cement, steel, sand and other materials steadily increased, the delay was compounded by a shortage of labour, with masons and workers taking up other projects. He finally held his housewarming ceremony this year.His experience is not an isolated one. Several beneficiaries across the State have had to dip into their hard-earned savings or take hand loans to complete their houses.
Telangana Housing Corporation staff inspecting a house being constructed using shear wall technology in Aroor Village, Sadhashivpet Mandal, Sangareddy District.
