The distribution of house sites to 30 lakh poor people beginning on Friday, coinciding with Christmas and Vaikuntha Ekadasi festivals, will definitely be a trump card for YSR Congress party president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in the all the coming elections.
The chief minister formally launched the programme – Navaratnalu-Pedalandiriki Illu – at Komaragiri layout of U Kothapalli mandal of Pithapuram assembly constituency in East Godavari district.
The programme would continue for another 15 days in a phased manner. Simultaneously, the Jagan government also commenced the construction of 15.60 lakh houses in the first phase. In addition to these, the government will also distribute sale agreements for 2.60 lakh TIDCO houses.
The programme adds yet another feather to Jagan’s cap, as he has been doling out one welfare scheme after the other to consolidate his base among the weaker sections and poorer sections.
According to a political analyst, people might forget the monetary benefits given to them in the name of various welfare schemes, but if they get a permanent benefit in the form of a house or housing site, it would fetch the ruling party tremendous benefit.
“It was former chief minister N T Rama Rao who had first introduced the “pucca housing scheme” and the TDP gained a lot of mileage among the BC sections. The Congress, too, reaped rich benefits during the YSR regime in from Indiramma housing scheme,” the analyst reminded.
However, what Jagan has to keep in mind that the scheme has to be implemented in a fool-proof manner. Any goof-up in the implementation of the scheme would backfire on the ruling YSRC.
Already, there have been lots of allegations from various sections of people, not just the opposition Telugu Desam Party, about the massive corruption in land acquisition for housing scheme, levelling of lands and even collection of bribes from the beneficiaries.
There have been several cases in the high court against acquisition of assigned lands, marsh lands and even tank beds.
“The Jagan government might think all these allegations would not make any difference, as the beneficiaries would definitely show their gratitude towards the ruling party. But, those who suffered in the process would turn up against the government,” the analyst said.
Thirdly, the construction of houses is easier said than done, as has been the experience of Telangana government in the double-bedroom programme.
“If the houses are not completed, the scheme will have no purpose,” the analyst added.