Hyderabad, August 18: In a significant move aimed at reducing construction costs for economically weaker families, the Telangana government has secured the cooperation of cement manufacturers to supply cement at ₹230 per bag for beneficiaries of the flagship Indiramma Housing Scheme. The initiative is expected to provide a major financial relief to lakhs of families constructing their own homes under the state-sponsored housing programme.

The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Revenue, Housing, Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy with representatives of leading cement manufacturing companies at the State Secretariat on Tuesday.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Ponguleti described the Indiramma Housing Scheme as much more than a government housing programme, calling it a transformative social welfare initiative designed to provide poor families with dignity, security and self-respect through permanent housing.

“The Indiramma Housing Scheme is not merely about constructing houses. It is about transforming the lives of poor families by ensuring they have a permanent roof over their heads and a life of dignity,” the minister said.

Massive Progress in First Phase

Providing an update on the implementation of the programme, the minister said the government has sanctioned 4.5 lakh houses in the first phase across Telangana, excluding Hyderabad.

He stated that construction work has gathered significant momentum, with nearly 85 percent of the sanctioned houses having completed slab-level construction, while the remaining 15 percent are progressing rapidly through different stages of construction.

Officials are continuously monitoring the execution of works to ensure timely completion and quality standards, he added.

Second Phase Covers 2.5 Lakh More Houses

The minister announced that the government has already sanctioned 2.5 lakh houses in the second phase, allocating 2,000 houses to each Assembly constituency across the state.

He further revealed that the government has launched an innovative urban housing initiative under the Indiramma Towers project. As part of this pilot programme, apartment-style housing complexes will be constructed in 16 Assembly constituencies, with a long-term target of building one lakh houses in urban areas under the Chief Urban Renewal (CUR) initiative.

Telangana Sets National Benchmark

Highlighting the uniqueness of the programme, Ponguleti said Telangana has become the only state in the country to provide 100 percent financial assistance of ₹5 lakh per beneficiary for the construction of houses.

“No other state government is implementing a housing programme by extending complete financial support of ₹5 lakh for every eligible beneficiary. Telangana has emerged as a model for the nation in ensuring housing for the poor,” he said.

Weekly Fund Release Ensures Transparency

The minister said the state government continues to release construction assistance without interruption despite the substantial financial commitment involved.

Funds are being released every Monday in a transparent manner, based strictly on the progress of construction, enabling beneficiaries to continue work without financial hurdles.

He reiterated that the government would continue extending support until every eligible poor family in Telangana owns a permanent house.

Appeal to Cement Industry

Recognising the crucial role of construction materials in housing costs, the minister appealed to cement manufacturers to become active partners in the government’s mission by supplying cement at concessional prices.

He said participation by industries would not only strengthen the implementation of the Indiramma Housing Scheme but also reflect their commitment towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Responding positively to the government’s appeal, representatives of the cement companies agreed to supply cement required for Indiramma houses at a subsidized rate of ₹230 per bag, significantly below prevailing market prices.

Minister Appreciates Industry’s Support

Ponguleti expressed gratitude to the cement manufacturers for their positive response and willingness to support one of Telangana’s largest welfare initiatives.

He said industries contributing directly or indirectly to improving the lives of poor families would earn lasting goodwill and public appreciation.

“The government, industries and people must work together to transform the Indiramma Housing Scheme into a people’s movement. Such collective efforts will help Telangana achieve its vision of becoming a hut-free state at the earliest,” the minister said.

Officials Present

The meeting was attended by Housing Secretary V.P. Gautham, senior officials of the Housing Department and representatives of various cement manufacturing companies operating in the state.

The agreement is expected to substantially reduce construction costs for beneficiaries and accelerate the completion of lakhs of houses under the Indiramma Housing Scheme, reinforcing the Telangana government’s commitment to ensuring housing for every eligible poor family.