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Gujarat Offers Interest Waiver & Ownership Rights in Rural Housing Scheme

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced a significant relief measure for beneficiaries of rural housing schemes. Those who repay the full principal amount within six months will receive a waiver on the 2% monthly penalty interest, providing approximately ₹154 crore in relief to around 9,029 families. This decision will also grant these families full ownership rights to their homes. The move was highlighted during the state's SWAGAT public grievance redressal session, where the CM addressed various citizen concerns.

Key Points: Gujarat CM Waives Penalty Interest for Rural Housing Beneficiaries

  • Interest waiver for principal repayment
  • Ownership rights for rural families
  • Relief for 9,029 families
  • Part of broader grievance redressal
3 min read

Beneficiaries who clear full principal will be granted ownership rights: Gujarat CM on rural housing schemes

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel announces a one-time waiver of 2% penalty interest for rural housing beneficiaries who clear their principal, granting ownership rights.

"beneficiaries... who repay the entire outstanding principal amount within 6 months will be exempted from the recovery of 2% penalty interest - Gujarat Government"

Gandhinagar, January 24

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken a significant and compassionate decision in the broader interest of beneficiaries of the Gujarat Rural Housing Board's housing schemes in the rural regions of the state.

As per this decision, beneficiaries in rural areas who are willing to repay the full principal amount but are unable to afford the monthly two per cent penalty interest will be provided relief.

In response to representations made by such beneficiaries, CM has issued directives that those who repay the entire outstanding principal amount within 6 months will be exempted from the recovery of 2% penalty interest under a one-time interest waiver scheme.

As a result of this decision, around 9,029 rural families will benefit, receiving relief of a substantial penalty interest amount totalling approximately ₹154 crore.

Additionally, these rural families will receive the right to own houses, thereby becoming homeowners in the true sense.

The vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that every needy citizen has a roof of their own will be fulfilled for rural families of the state through this people-centric decision of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Gujarat Housing Board came into existence on 1st May 1960 as a result of the bifurcation of Bombay State and the Bombay Housing Board and the inclusion of Saurashtra Housing Board, as per the Gujarat Housing Board Act, 1961. Gujarat Slum Clearance Board was merged with effect from 1/04/2007 as the Slum Cell. Besides the Head office in Ahmedabad, GHB has several other offices across Gujarat.

Gujarat Housing Board had completed 522 LIG-II units at Bhuj. These houses have a carpet area of 135 sq., with one Bedroom, Hall & Kitchen. The handing over ceremony was conducted by the Honourable Guest on 26-08-2017.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday personally heard public representations during the January 2026 State SWAGAT and issued clear, time-bound directions to district administrations for speedy, citizen-centric resolution of grievances, including issues related to illegal constructions, encroachments on public roads and drainage channels, and obstructions affecting inter-village road connectivity.

Under the SWAGAT Online Public Grievance Redressal initiative, held on the fourth Thursday of every month, more than 110 applicants presented their representations at the State SWAGAT in January 2026. Not only this, but the resolution process was also undertaken at the district and taluka levels regarding 1,492 representations of District SWAGAT and 2,565 representations and questions of Taluka SWAGAT.

During this State SWAGAT, farmers from Dabhoi and Botad districts presented their representations before Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, while beneficiaries also raised the long-pending issue of constructing new houses in place of the dilapidated Gujarat Housing Board houses in Surat district. He responded to these concerns promptly and compassionately.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Finally some relief for the common man! The penalty interest was becoming a big burden. My cousin in a village near Rajkot will benefit from this. Hope other states also take note and implement similar schemes. A roof over your head is the biggest security.
A
Aman W
While the intent is good, I have a practical question. The article says they must repay the full principal within 6 months. For a rural family, even arranging the principal amount in such a short time can be very difficult. Will there be any installment facility or loan linkage for this? The scheme's success depends on that.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in rural development, I can say asset creation like home ownership is transformative. It gives families stability and improves their access to credit and overall socio-economic status. This ₹154 crore relief is not just a number; it's changing lives. Well done.
V
Vikram M
Good move. But the government should also focus on the quality of these houses. I've seen some GHB colonies where construction is poor. Ownership is great, but it should be of a durable home. Hope the SWAGAT grievances about dilapidated houses in Surat are resolved quickly.
K
Kavya N
This is the real 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. Helping those who are willing to pay but were stuck due to penalties. My father always says, in India, if you have your own house, half your life's worries are over. More such schemes are needed across the country.

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