Fri Jul 04 06:53:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:
**Summary:**
The article reports on the progress of the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam (KKI) scheme in Tamil Nadu, India, aimed at constructing one lakh houses annually in rural areas. Approximately 78,000 houses have been completed from the previous year’s allocation, and efforts are underway to expedite the completion of nearly 120,000 more houses sanctioned this year. The scheme ensures a minimum plinth area with RCC roofing and provides financial assistance, including convergence with other schemes like MGNREGS, to eligible beneficiaries who hold land ownership. District Collectors are also issuing pattas to landless eligible individuals. A significant amount of funds has been allocated and spent, with more to be released to ensure the timely completion of the housing project.
**News Article:**
**Tamil Nadu Accelerates Rural Housing Scheme, Aiming to Complete 120,000 Homes Soon**
**CHENNAI, July 4, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu government is ramping up efforts to complete the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam (KKI) scheme, an ambitious initiative to provide affordable housing in rural areas. Officials announced today that approximately 78,000 homes have already been built under the program launched in 2024-25, with a target of one lakh houses constructed annually.
“We are committed to ensuring that all sanctioned houses are completed within the next few months,” said a senior official from the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj department. “Progress is being closely monitored, and resources are being allocated efficiently to achieve our goals.”
The KKI scheme provides a minimum plinth area of 360 sq. ft. for each house, including a kitchen, with at least 300 sq. ft. covered with reinforced cement concrete. The unit cost per house is ₹3.5 lakh, which includes convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the Swachh Bharat (Grameen) initiative for sanitation.
As of now, ₹581 crore has been spent this year, and ₹2,930 crore out of ₹3,100 crore allocated last year has already been utilized. The government is also working to release an additional ₹267.96 crore to beneficiaries in coordination with other existing programs.
A key aspect of the scheme is ensuring land ownership for beneficiaries. District Collectors are actively issuing pattas to landless eligible individuals to facilitate their inclusion in the KKI program, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusivity.
First Piper 