Kalaignar Kanavu Illam to soon touch key milestone with completion of 1 lakh houses in rural T.N.

The Kalaignar Kanavu Illam (KKI), a flagship scheme of the DMK government in the area of rural housing for the poor, is likely to touch a key milestone — the completion of one lakh houses — in a few weeks.  

As of now, 81,811 houses have been completed. In the case of 18,071 houses, at least the roof has been laid. As for the remaining 118 houses, action has been initiated to bring the construction up to the stage of roofing by July 20. Launched in 2024-25, the KKI envisages the construction of one lakh houses annually. A sum of over ₹3,039 crore has been spent for the previous year, 2024-25.

As regards the houses sanctioned this year, 24 houses have been completed. For over 90,000 houses, the completion of the basement stage has at least been accomplished. Out of this, 39,726 houses have been provided at least with lintel.  For the current year, an amount of ₹673 crore has been spent. 

Under the scheme, the minimum plinth area of every house is 360 sq. ft., including the kitchen. At least 300 sq. ft. will be covered with reinforced cement concrete. The unit cost of each house is ₹3.5 lakh, including the convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to facilitate 90 person days for house construction. Ten person days will be accounted for individual household latrine (IHHL), which will come under the Swachh Bharat (Grameen) at the cost of ₹12,000.

Every prospective beneficiary should hold a patta in his or her name. As for landless persons who are otherwise eligible, District Collectors have been issuing pattas so that such persons are included in the list of beneficiaries, an official clarified.