NewKerala.com

Key Points

Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar justifies increasing minority housing quotas due to high vacancy rates in urban projects. The BJP opposes the move, calling it political appeasement. Shivakumar argues minority communities are more willing to occupy these homes. The decision follows reports of unoccupied housing units across Bengaluru and Mandya.

Key Points: Shivakumar Hikes Minority Housing Quota to 15% Citing Vacant Urban Homes

  • Decision aims to fill vacant urban housing units
  • BJP calls it appeasement politics
  • 20-30% urban poor belong to minorities
  • Law Minister to clarify policy details
2 min read

Minority housing quota hiked to 15 pc as many urban houses vacant: Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy CM defends raising minority housing quota from 10% to 15%, citing high vacancy rates in urban housing projects amid BJP criticism.

"When no one applies for these houses, what are we supposed to do? Should we just leave them vacant? – D.K. Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, June 19

Defending the decision of Karnataka government to increase the quota of housing reservations from the present 10 per cent to 15 per cent, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Thursday that the decision has been taken as a large number of houses built in urban areas by the Housing department remain vacant.

“A large number of houses built in urban areas by the Housing Department remain vacant, and members of minority communities are coming forward to occupy them. Therefore, we are increasing the reservation for them in housing allocation from 10 per cent to 15 per cent,” said Shivakumar.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that in certain urban areas, 20-30 per cent of the poor belong to minority communities, adding hence, a proposal was brought to increase their housing quota.

“These houses require payment. Others have not shown much interest in them. Even in Bengaluru, many housing units remain vacant. The central government's financial assistance for construction has been very low. After building these houses, they are lying empty. The question is—who should they be given to?” Shivakumar asked.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that in Mandya city as well, buildings have been constructed but remain unoccupied, adding that the minority communities have shown interest in moving into these houses.

When asked about BJP leaders calling this “appeasement politics,” he replied, “Let anyone say what they want. We are helping the poor. When no one applies for these houses, what are we supposed to do? Should we just leave them vacant? The Law Minister will provide further details on the matter,” he said.

Under the Housing Department, the Congress-led government in Karnataka has decided on Thursday to increase the reservation for minority communities from the existing 10 per cent to 15 per cent under various housing schemes implemented across urban and rural areas of the state.

The Karnataka BJP unit has objected to the state government's decision to increase the housing quota. The party has also announced that it will launch a campaign against this injustice.

Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi said that the decision will adversely impact the reservation for the general category, SC, ST, and OBC communities.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
If houses are lying vacant, shouldn't they be allocated based on economic need rather than community? Many poor families from all backgrounds need shelter. This seems like political tokenism rather than solving the real housing crisis. 🏘️
P
Priya M.
Practical decision by the government. If other communities aren't coming forward to occupy these houses, why let them go waste? At least someone is getting shelter. But transparency in allocation process is must!
A
Arjun S.
As a Bengaluru resident, I've seen these empty housing projects for years. If minority communities are willing to pay and occupy them, what's the problem? Better than ghost buildings. But government should also improve basic amenities in these areas.
S
Sunita P.
Why only 15%? If 20-30% urban poor belong to minority communities as per data, quota should match that percentage. Housing is basic right. But BJP's reaction shows they care more about politics than solving homelessness.
V
Vikram J.
The real issue is why these houses were built without proper demand assessment. Now fixing that mistake by changing quota percentages is just patchwork. Need better urban planning to prevent such situations.
N
Neha R.
Good initiative but hope proper verification happens. I've seen many govt houses being misused - rented out or kept locked by beneficiaries. Strict monitoring needed to ensure only genuine needy families benefit. 👍

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50