The NTR Housing Scheme is a scheme by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, which recognises the situation of the housing crisis currently affecting the poor sections of society. The scheme was launched in 2016 to provide a permanent solution to housing problems, improve living conditions, and ensure the overall social upliftment of Andhra Pradesh.
The NTR Housing Scheme, which aims to provide affordable housing, was launched under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and intends to provide a dignified standard of living for people living in poverty, whether they are rural or urban.
Overview of NTR Housing Scheme
The NTR Housing Scheme aims to build affordable, durable, and sustainable homes for those belonging to the economically weaker sections (EWS) and lower-income groups (LIG) of society in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The scheme has been created so that no families will be without some form of permanent, secure housing. This scheme is aimed at both rural households and urban households in Andhra Pradesh, where minimum standards are not met as part of housing.
The scheme has been developed to improve housing conditions for many families, including targeted households currently living in semi-pucca and kutcha houses. It also involves creating a suitable community development plan or counselling plan, engaging with citizens, addressing basic infrastructure and sanitation, and encouraging employment opportunities.
The NTR Housing Scheme has, for many families, taken them from insecure, dangerous, temporary/unprotected shelters to permanent housing, improving their quality of life and contributing to the wealth and economy of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Timeline & Launch History
The NTR Housing Scheme was launched in 2016 by the then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, with an ambitious target of constructing 10 lakh homes at a cost of ₹16,000 crores. The first phase focused on rural areas, with subsequent phases expanding to urban areas. The scheme has witnessed significant progress, with numerous homes constructed and many more under development.
Eligibility for NTR Housing Scheme
To qualify for the NTR Housing Scheme, applicants need to meet several criteria designed to ensure that the benefits reach the right beneficiaries. These criteria include:
1. Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Andhra Pradesh. This is because the scheme exists to address the housing issues faced by people living in local areas.
2. Income Group: Applicants must be in the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category and possess a BPL card.
3. Ownership of House: The applicant must not have a pucca (permanent) house or any land under government housing schemes. This criterion ensures the scheme is targeting families who currently do not have a consistent dwelling and need affordable housing urgently.
4. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. This guideline is included to ensure that major applicants can apply without parental consent and own property.
These eligibility criteria ensure that families who receive the benefit of the NTR Housing Scheme are those families most in need and are provided with an opportunity for a better life.
Documents Required for NTR Housing Scheme
To apply for the NTR Housing Scheme, applicants must submit specific documents that verify their eligibility and ensure the accuracy of their claims. The required documents are,
1. Identity Proof: Citizens should provide a government-issued identity proof to the authorities, such as an Aadhaar Card, voter ID, or driving license. This is the first step to check whether the applicant is indeed a resident of Andhra Pradesh.
2. Income Proof: A certificate that mentions the family income of the applicant should be given. This document establishes the applicant’s eligibility for the BPL, EWS or LIG category.
3. Residential Proof: Any documents supporting the permanent address of the applicant are required, such as utility bills (electricity, water), rent agreements, or any other formal documents.
4. Housing Details: Information about any housing in the name of the applicant. This is the first step towards ensuring that the applicant doesn’t own a pucca house or is not a beneficiary of the government’s housing schemes.
5. Bank Details: A document showing the bank account details is necessary as this is where the subsidy will be credited. The main purpose of this is to make sure that the financial aid reaches the right person.
6. Caste and Religion Certificates: If any SC, ST, or minority groups are the applicants, caste and religion certificates must be submitted to confirm that they are the rightful recipients of the additional benefits granted to these groups.
The application process can be made hassle-free if the applicants submit these papers.
Housing Models & Costs
The NTR Housing Scheme offers several housing models, with costs that vary depending on the size and location of the homes. The general cost breakdown includes,
1. 300 sq. ft. Houses: The cost of a 300 sq. ft. house is approximately ₹5.62 lakh. These homes are generally built for smaller families or individuals.
2. 365 sq. ft. Houses: For slightly larger families, 365 sq. ft. homes are available at a cost of ₹6.74 lakh, providing more living space while still being affordable.
3. 430 sq. ft. Houses: The largest model, at ₹7.71 lakh, offers ample space for families requiring more room for living and storage.
These models are designed to be affordable while offering sufficient living space for families, with the government providing subsidies to help cover the costs.
Appliances Allocated to Homes Under NTR Scheme
The NTR Housing Scheme emphasises providing better lives for beneficiaries through appliances in support of the household. The appliances designated in the scheme are designed for energy efficiency and responsible household spending.
The energy-efficient appliances provided by the scheme are,
1. LED Bulbs: 9W LED bulbs were given to each household for energy savings and electricity spending reductions.
2. LED Tube Lights: Each beneficiary was allocated 20W LED tube lights for efficient lighting in the home.
3. Ceiling Fans: Each house received a 50W ceiling fan to ensure ventilation in a warm climate.
4. Streetlights: LED streetlights were installed in the areas surrounding the housing developments.
The appliances fall under the government’s effort to create sustainable homes that provide shelter, and also improve the quality of life through energy savings.
Subsidy Rates for Beneficiaries Under NTR Housing Scheme
Subsidies are one of the major components of the NTR Housing Scheme. The financial support received by beneficiaries in the form of interest subsidies decreases their financial burden, making it possible for them to purchase a permanent house. The NTR Housing Scheme provides subsidy rates classified as follows,
1. For NTR Rural Housing Scheme: These beneficiaries are provided with a ₹1.5 lakh subsidy to buy/ build a house in rural areas; this allows families in remote areas to transition from a temporary shelter to a permanent house.
2. For Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) Beneficiaries: To uplift marginalised communities, the scheme provides an additional ₹50,000 subsidy for SC and ST beneficiaries; this ensures an equal housing opportunity for all.
3. For NTR Urban Housing Scheme: The urban population also benefits in the form of a ₹2.5 lakh subsidy. On an average, urban housing costs more, given the cost of land, and can be attributed to offsetting the overall construction costs of urban housing.
Progress & Achievements
The NTR Housing Scheme was conceived in 2016 in Andhra Pradesh and was designed to build 10 lakh permanent housing units for the economically weaker sections (EWS) and Low-income groups (LIG) across the urban and rural landscape.
Key Achievements and Progress
- Massive Housing Delivery: The program managed to deliver close to four lakh “pucca” (permanent) houses for the beneficiaries before the merger.
- Reasonably Priced Homes: The project gave homes at subsidised prices, therefore, owning a home by people with low income was not out of their reach.
- Development of Infrastructure: The project was associated with the overall urban development schemes that also included the construction of roads, parks, schools, and health centers in the areas surrounding the housing units.
- Financial Contribution: The construction activities under the program stimulated local economies and raised job opportunities in the areas of both construction and services.
- Neighborhood Development: The NTR Housing Scheme was instrumental in the making of several neighborhoods and was committed to changing the cityscape, especially in cities like Vijayawada, Guntur, and Visakhapatnam.
- Helping the Needy in the Urban Area: The program was designed to serve the needs of the people in the slum and unauthorised settlements and thus, lowering the count of those who lived in makeshift housing.
How to Apply for the NTR Housing Scheme
1. Check eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must be Permanent Residents of Andhra Pradesh, and meet either the EWS or LIG criteria. They must not have a permanent house or land in Andhra Pradesh. They should not have had any benefits from any government housing schemes before. Families that have other considerations, like being BPL or having a white ration card, may be taken under priority.
2. Gather required documents
Aadhaar, Residence Certificate, Income Certificate, passport-size photographs, and bank account details are required. Adding to that, other required documents need to be submitted together with forms, such as: property documents, BPL or white ration card, caste certificate, Building Approval Plan, application acknowledgment slip
3. Apply online
The application can be submitted through the official PMAY website. Users must log in / Register to create a new account. Select Citizen Assessment, and select which of the options apply. On verification of Aadhaar, they can fill in with correct details and submit.
4. Track application status
To check the application status, visit the official Andhra Pradesh State Housing Corporation (APSHCL) portal. Log in, go to the “Gruha Pravesh Mahotsvam Beneficiary List” section, and access the beneficiary lists under the “Get a Report” tab. Applicants can search the lists for their name to confirm their selection.
Conclusion
The NTR Housing Scheme has been vital in providing housing solutions that are affordable to the underprivileged sections of society. The NTR Housing Scheme has created housing provision through financial subsidies, sanitation, appropriate documentation, and quality-built housing for the economically weaker segment of the population. The scheme has expanded housing opportunities for low-income families in the state of Andhra Pradesh, which improves inclusion for these groups within society.
Apoorva H P Achar