Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan during an interview at The Hindu office in Hubballi on Wednesday. | Photo credit: KIRAN BAKALE
Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan said that the financial burden on the beneficiaries of houses constructed by the Karnataka Slum Development Board under Prime Minister Awas Yojna (PMAY) has been reduced to ₹ 1 lakh by availing special grants announced by the Chief Minister.
During his visit to The Hindu office in Hubballi on Wednesday, he elaborated on the efforts made to get permission for the initiative from the finance department.
Mr. Zameer Ahmed said that realizing that more burden on the beneficiary would defeat the very purpose of the initiative by the board, the state government is contributing ₹ 4 lakh for each house, while the central government is contributing ₹ 1.5 lakh, attracting GST of 18%.
The Minister said that it has been ensured that all basic facilities are provided and quality work is done in conducting the yojana.
“In 2024, 36,789 houses were distributed in the first phase and now, in the second phase, 42,345 houses are being distributed, which includes 2,780 houses built in Dharwad district. In the third phase, more than 30,000 houses were planned to be completed and allotted by May,” he said.
On allegations by Leader of Opposition in Assembly R. Ashoka that houses are being allotted without actually completing work on them, he dared Mr. Ashoka to pick any area of his choice to carry out the inspection.
Mr. Zameer Ahmed also claimed that not a single house was constructed by the board during the previous BJP regime. And if the BJP proves him wrong, he will quit politics, he said.
Meanwhile, Board Chairman Prasad Abayya, who accompanied the minister, said that attention was paid to ensure that all the houses were constructed systematically with adequate amenities.
Published – 23 Jan 2026 19:33 IST
