Kerala Achieves Milestone with Over 5 Lakh Houses Under LIFE Mission, Unveils Comprehensive Disaster Rehabilitation Model
In a significant development highlighting the state's commitment to housing security and disaster recovery, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the completion of more than 5 lakh houses under the LIFE Mission. This landmark achievement underscores a robust approach to addressing homelessness and providing sustainable rehabilitation for communities affected by natural calamities.
LIFE Mission: A Transformative Housing Initiative
Launched in 2017 as a comprehensive housing security project, the LIFE Mission has made substantial progress in eradicating homelessness across Kerala. As of February 21, 2026, a total of 6,04,046 families have been sanctioned housing assistance under this ambitious scheme. The construction of over 5 lakh houses has been successfully completed, marking a pivotal moment in the state's social welfare efforts.
Under the LIFE Mission, beneficiaries receive financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to support their housing needs. Scheduled Tribe families residing in remote and difficult terrains are granted an enhanced amount of Rs 6 lakh, ensuring equitable access to housing resources. The scheme's inclusive design also encompasses housing complexes, with four already completed, one purchased and handed over to beneficiaries, and ten currently under construction at various stages.
Furthermore, 13 housing complexes have been completed and delivered to landless and homeless beneficiaries through collaborative efforts involving local self-government institutions, voluntary organizations, and partnership or sponsorship initiatives. From 2017-18 to the present, the total expenditure under the LIFE housing scheme amounts to Rs 20,831.60 crore. This includes a central share of Rs 2,488.90 crore and a state share of Rs 18,342.70 crore, which incorporates loans availed from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO).
Kalpetta Model Township: A Beacon of Disaster Rehabilitation
In response to the devastating Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide in Wayanad, the Kerala government has undertaken extensive rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures from the very first day of the disaster. A model rehabilitation township is being constructed at Elstone Estate in Kalpetta specifically for the affected families, with the foundation stone laid on March 27, 2025.
Spread across 64.47 hectares, this innovative township will feature 410 houses, of which 178 have already been completed. Upon full completion, it will provide permanent housing for more than 1,662 individuals. The township is meticulously designed to include essential amenities such as internal roads, a health centre, an anganwadi, a public market, and community centres, all tailored to the unique terrain and climatic conditions of Wayanad.
Notably, the houses have been structurally engineered to withstand minor earthquakes, enhancing safety and resilience for residents. The government has also implemented a special rehabilitation package for those who lost their livelihoods due to the disaster. Families that lost shop rooms are granted Rs 7 lakh each, with an additional Rs 2.5 lakh for each extra shop room lost. Entrepreneurs are eligible for compensation of up to 50% of their losses, subject to sector-specific ceilings: Rs 20 lakh in manufacturing, Rs 10 lakh in services, and Rs 7 lakh in trade, all funded through the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.
Comprehensive Support for Affected Families
The Kerala government's holistic approach to disaster rehabilitation extends beyond housing. A total of 1,620 loans belonging to 155 affected families have been taken over at a cost of approximately Rs 18.75 crore. More than Rs 6.16 crore has been disbursed as rent assistance to families who lost their homes, while over Rs 13 crore has been distributed as compensation to the relatives of those who perished in the tragedy.
In a compassionate move, 21 children who lost both parents have been granted Rs 10 lakh each as a deposit to secure their future. For livelihood assistance, Rs 300 each is being distributed to 1,184 persons, with Rs 17.7 crore spent so far on this initiative. Additionally, 14 families that opted not to accept houses in the government-built township were provided Rs 15 lakh each as compensation.
The first phase inauguration of the Kalpetta township, initially scheduled for February 25, has been postponed to March 1 for undisclosed reasons. This delay, however, does not diminish the transformative impact of the project, which stands as a testament to Kerala's unwavering commitment to housing security and disaster resilience.
