Keralam Chief Minister promises separate housing scheme for SC/ST families

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday (October 2, 2026) announced that the government would formulate a separate housing scheme, independent of the Life Mission, for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) and provide land to all landless families belonging to the communities.

He was inaugurating the State-level observance of the Social Solidarity Fortnight organised by the Department for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes at the Maharaja’s College auditorium here.

Mr. Satheesan said that the welfare of the SC/ST communities would no longer be treated as a mere ritualistic exercise. A separate housing project for SC/ST families would be introduced to eliminate delays in providing houses under the Life Mission scheme. Financial assistance would be enhanced to ensure housing for all eligible homeless beneficiaries.

He assured that the government would bring in the necessary legislation and initiate steps during the forthcoming Assembly session to provide land to all landless persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

An additional ₹500 crore had been allocated in the Budget for implementing the department’s welfare schemes, he said. The Finance department had been given strict instructions to ensure that students’ e-grants and scholarships were never delayed. The government was also preparing to establish the world’s first tribal university in Wayanad with a fresh academic vision. Tribal festivals and similar events would be organised to preserve the unique arts, culture and traditions of indigenous communities, Mr. Satheesan said.

Minister for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes Welfare K.A. Thulasi presided over the function. Hibi Eden, MP, and others attended.