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Kerala Local Self-Government Minister K M Shaji clarified that the newly elected UDF government has not taken any decision to dismantle the LIFE Mission housing scheme, following allegations raised by the CPI(M). The minister said the government would continue welfare projects that benefit the public while addressing shortcomings wherever required. The clarification comes at a time when the state’s affordable housing sector is closely watching the future of the flagship residential scheme. LIFE Mission has so far delivered more than five lakh houses across Kerala, while over one lakh housing units are currently under construction under the programme.
Kerala Local Self-Government Minister K M Shaji has clarified that the state government has no plans to discontinue the LIFE Mission housing project, countering claims made by the CPI(M) regarding the future of the flagship affordable housing scheme. Advertisement
The clarification came during the past week after political criticism emerged over the government’s decision to restore powers to gram sabhas. Opposition leaders alleged that the move was part of a plan to weaken or dismantle the LIFE Mission project, which has been one of Kerala’s largest housing initiatives for economically weaker families.
Responding to the allegations, Shaji said restoring powers to local self-government institutions should not be interpreted as a decision to end the housing scheme. He stated that the government had never announced any move to scrap the project and added that governance should continue with administrative continuity rather than removing programmes introduced by previous governments.
The minister further said the UDF government intends to correct shortcomings in earlier schemes instead of shutting them down and relaunching them under new names. According to him, projects that directly benefit people, especially welfare and housing initiatives, would continue while necessary policy-level improvements would be made wherever required.
The statement assumes significance as the LIFE Mission remains one of Kerala’s most important affordable housing and rehabilitation programmes. The scheme was launched to provide houses to homeless and landless families across the state through support from local bodies and government funding.
Over the years, the project has become a key part of Kerala’s residential welfare infrastructure, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions where housing shortages among lower-income groups remain a major issue. Apart from individual homes, the mission has also supported apartment-style LIFE housing complexes and rehabilitation projects for vulnerable communities.
Government data released earlier indicated that more than five lakh houses have already been completed under the LIFE Mission scheme. In addition, over one lakh houses are reportedly under various stages of construction across Kerala. The project has also been linked with rehabilitation support, land allocation assistance and basic infrastructure development in selected locations.
The political debate intensified after CPI(M) leaders warned that any attempt to discontinue the project would lead to statewide protests. The party argued that lakhs of beneficiaries are still dependent on the housing scheme for financial assistance and residential security.
The LIFE Mission project has also remained under public scrutiny in recent years due to investigations and legal proceedings linked to certain contracts and funding-related issues associated with parts of the scheme. Despite the controversy, the programme has continued to remain a major component of Kerala’s affordable housing and social welfare strategy.
Housing experts and local governance observers believe the continuation of the scheme is important for maintaining momentum in Kerala’s low-cost housing sector, especially when demand for financially supported housing projects continues to remain strong among economically weaker sections.
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