Beneficiaries anxious over delay in Indiramma house bill payments in Telangana’s Kothagudem

Launched with much fanfare by the Congress government, the scheme’s implementation appears to be faltering, leaving many beneficiaries struggling to continue construction

Kothagudem: Beneficiaries of thin Kothagudem district are growing increasingly anxious over prolonged delays in bill payments, with several construction projects halted midway due to lack of funds.

Launched with much fanfare by the Congress government, the scheme’s implementation appears to be faltering, leaving many beneficiaries struggling to continue construction. Around 58 houses in the district are reportedly stalled due to various administrative and financial hurdles.

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Despite tall claims by Congress Ministers about ensuring housing for every eligible family, beneficiaries say the process has been marred by poor coordination between State and Central authorities. Delays are being attributed to ‘technical issues’, but officials have failed to address the core problems, they allege.

While some beneficiaries received the first instalment, the second and third tranches have been delayed. In several cases, even the first bill remains unpaid.

Sangem Venugopal of Basthi No. 2 in Yellandu Municipality demolished his old house and began construction of a new one after being sanctioned an Indiramma house. He completed the basement and became eligible for the first instalment. Though officials visited the site and took photos, they initially cited a technical issue in uploading them. Later, Venugopal was informed that his surname was entered incorrectly in the system. After correcting the error at the municipal office, he was again told there was a discrepancy in the spacing of his name. He is still waiting for the payment.

In another case, K Anantha Rao of Pubelli village in Yellandu mandal said he completed the third phase of construction, including slab work, by taking loans. However, he is still waiting for the release of the second and third instalments.

He appealed to the government to expedite the bill payments, as delays are severely affecting those who have already invested their meagre resources in the construction. Several other beneficiaries echoed similar concerns, urging authorities to process the pending bills based on construction progress.