No More Homeless Nights
Sajeendra Babu J.
Programme Manager LIFE Mission
Progress and Initiatives of the Life Mission: Land Distribution, Housing Projects, and Solar Energy Integration
The objective of the Life housing scheme is to provide secure housing for all the homeless in the state. Various housing schemes implemented through different departments of the state, such as the centrally funded PMAY (Rural) and PMAY (Urban), which receive minimal central share, are also included under this initiative. Under this scheme, beneficiaries of PMAY (Rural), which provides Rs 72,000, and PMAY (Urban), which provides Rs 1,50,000, are also entitled to an additional benefit of Rs 4,00,000 under the Life scheme. Since these schemes have been integrated into the Life housing project, the beneficiaries will receive the Rs 4,00,000 financial assistance from the Life scheme. For Scheduled Caste families living in settlements and difficult areas, an enhanced benefit of Rs 6,00,000 is provided instead of Rs 4,00,000.
As of 31st January 2025, a total of 5,41,316 families have been granted housing construction financial assistance, of which 4,29,425 families have completed the construction of their houses. The construction of 1,11,891 houses is currently in various stages of progress.
Life 2020
Under Life 2020, a total of 9,20,260 applications were submitted online. After eligibility checks, re-evaluations, and the first and second-phase appeals, the final list was prepared with the approval of the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha and local self-governments. On 16th August 2022, the list of beneficiaries was officially published by the local self-government institutions.
A total of 1,13,064 beneficiaries included in the Life 2020 list have entered into agreements with local self government institutions.
People in the Below Poverty Line Category
Among the homeless beneficiaries identified through the extreme poverty determination process, 5,514 beneficiaries have entered into contracts for house construction, of which 3,459 beneficiaries have completed the construction of their homes.
For the resettlement of homeless individuals included in the Life beneficiary list, housing clusters were constructed through the Life Mission. Four housing clusters have been completed and handed over to the beneficiaries. The construction of 21 housing clusters is progressing at various stages. The details of the housing clusters constructed and completed through Life Mission, local self-governments, partnerships, and sponsorships, as well as the local self-governments where these housing clusters are located, are listed below.
Manassodithiri Mannu Campaign
As part of the Manassodithiri Mannu campaign, until 31.01.2025, 3,208.739 cents (32.08739 acres) of land have been pledged to the Life Mission. Of this, 2,038.185 cents (28.38 acres) of land have been registered and provided to local self-governments/beneficiaries.
Life Chittilappilli Housing Scheme
For the resettlement of the homeless, numerous organisations and well-wishers have expressed their willingness to participate in the government’s Manassodithiri Mannu campaign. The K. Chittilappilli Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with the government in December 2021 to provide f inancial assistance of Rs 25 crore to purchase land for 1,000 homeless families, with a maximum amount of Rs 2.5 lakh per family. Accordingly, land has been made available to 1,000 homeless families. Following this, the second phase of the Chittilappilli Life Housing Scheme has commenced with the signing of the agreement to provide land to an additional 1,000 homeless families. Priority will be given to EPIP (Economically Poor and Vulnerable) beneficiaries in this phase.
A total of 1,13,064 beneficiaries included in the Life 2020 list have entered into agreements with local self government institutions.
Lions – Life Housing Scheme
T he government has issued an order allowing Lions International District 318-E to build homes for 100 homeless individuals included in the Life beneficiary list. In this regard, agreements have been signed for constructing houses on land owned by Chirayinkeezhu Block Panchayat in Mudakkal Grama Panchayat, Kilimanoor Grama Panchayat, and Kadakkal Grama Panchayat in Kollam district. Construction activities have already begun.
Solar Energy Project for Life Beneficiaries
In collaboration with ANERT (Agency for Non Conventional Energy and Rural Technology), the Life Mission has included 500 houses that completed construction under the Life scheme in a free solar energy programme. Solar energy plants are being installed for free, providing electricity and additional income opportunities.T he solar energy project is being implemented under ANERT’s Green Energy Income Scheme for Life beneficiaries. A 2-kilowatt solar energy plant, capable of producing an average of 8 units of electricity per day, is being installed in each of the 500 houses in the first phase. T he cost of each solar plant is approximately Rs 1.35 lakh. T hese 500 homes, which have completed construction and received electricity connections, are part of the initial phase. The electricity produced by the solar plants can be fully used in the homes, and any excess electricity can be sold to the grid to generate income.
For households with an average monthly consumption of 100 units, this project can generate an additional 1,200 units of electricity annually, resulting in an annual income of up to Rs 4,000 from the excess electricity sold to the grid. Additionally, homes with solar plants will also receive induction stoves. Solar plants have been installed in public areas of the four completed Life housing clusters for electricity use.