548 Bengaluru Families Wait for Homes as GBA-RGHCL Confusion Delays Housing Scheme
Administrative confusion between two government bodies has left 548 families in Bengaluru in a difficult situation. These families are waiting for homes under the chief minister's Rs 1-lakh multi-storey housing scheme. The homes are fully built and ready for allotment, but the families remain in limbo.
Empty-Handed After Office Visit
Nearly 500 beneficiaries gathered at the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Limited office on KG Road this Monday. They came to collect possession documents and house keys. Officials asked them to return empty-handed. The officials said the final list of allottees was not ready yet. The Greater Bengaluru Authority had not sent the list to RGHCL.
With no clarity on when the issue would be resolved, the beneficiaries staged a silent sit-in dharna outside the office. They expressed their frustration over the prolonged delay.
Official Statements and Explanations
RGHCL managing director Parashuram Shinnalkar confirmed the situation. He said the corporation had not received the final allottee list from GBA. The houses in 22 locations are ready. They will be handed over once we receive the list from GBA, he stated.
Following the protest, GBA assistant commissioner HT Muralidhara met the applicants. He assured them that the final list would be prepared by January 31. Muralidhara explained the delay in detail.
He said that after the BBMP released Rs 27.5 crore to RGHCL for 550 beneficiaries, virtual accounts received funds. This led applicants to believe they had been selected. However, the final list could only be drawn up after mahazars and approval by the local selection committee.
After the formation of GBA, the chief commissioner directed commissioners of the five city corporations to conduct mahazars for all 550 beneficiaries, Muralidhara added.
Beneficiaries Dispute the Explanation
Beneficiaries strongly disputed this explanation. They stated that the mahazars were completed nearly 10 months ago. Mohan Rao, a resident of Bovipalya, shared his experience.
It has been four years since we paid Rs 1 lakh by borrowing, and we are still paying interest. I applied under this scheme during Siddaramaiah's first term as chief minister, he said.
Another applicant, Manjula Devi, highlighted the ongoing struggles. Beneficiaries are being forced to shuttle between offices. We have met GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao at least 10 times. Meanwhile, we are paying rent as well as interest on borrowed money, she explained.
Only Two Houses Allotted So Far
Of the 550 applicants, only two have been given possession. This leaves 548 families still waiting for their homes. While protesting, applicants alleged that the two received houses after paying bribes.
Muralidhara rejected this charge firmly. Only two applicants' mahazars were completed and approved. They were given houses after obtaining the administrator's approval. After I took charge, we have taken up the pending applications, he clarified.
The situation remains unresolved for hundreds of families. They continue to hope for a swift resolution to this administrative confusion.
