The Congress-led state government in Karnataka is under fire yet again — this time for its admission of shocking delays and negligence in implementing a flagship central housing scheme that directly affects thousands of poor families across the state.
The Housing Department’s letter, dated July 5, 2025, has exposed what opposition leaders are now calling “clear proof” that the guarantee schemes pushed by the Congress government are starving crucial development programs of funds and priority. The letter, addressed by V Anbukumar, Secretary to the Housing Department, to the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation, bluntly admits that the state has failed to release the first instalment of grants under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) on time.
The delay, officials say, has stalled the construction of lakhs of rural homes, leaving the state far behind its target of 7.02 lakh new houses for the 2024–25 fiscal year. Even worse, the letter acknowledges that the funds already released by the Union Government have not been used, which violates the scheme’s guidelines and could jeopardise future allocations.
‘Direct Negligence and Mismanagement’
While the Congress government continues to promote its five ‘guarantee schemes’, opposition leaders argue that this letter proves the guarantees are draining resources away from vital infrastructure and welfare programs. The Chief Minister’s own Economic Advisor, Basavaraj Rayareddy, recently admitted that if not for the burden of guarantees, the government would have built roads instead.
Critics argue that this neglect is not just administrative but also political, as MLAs from multiple districts have already raised concerns about development work stalling under the Congress rule. The letter from the Housing Department confirms these fears, explicitly stating that delays in grant release are the reason central funds remain idle.
Embarrassing Numbers, Zero Progress
The numbers tell the story. Against the target of over 7 lakh homes, only 1.8 lakh beneficiaries have even been selected — barely 26 per cent progress. Districts like Udupi, Bengaluru Urban, Mysuru and Kalburgi — home to heavyweight Congress leaders and ministers — have shockingly low performance. Bengaluru Urban district, which falls under the Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan has reported zero progress in beneficiary selection.
In CM Siddaramaiah’s district of Mysuru, only 28 per cent of the work has been done. Kalburgi, the home turf of Aland MLA B.R. Patil — who himself recently levelled corruption allegations in the Housing Department — stands at a dismal 34 per cent progress.
Meanwhile, the Housing Department has now scrambled to direct Zilla Panchayat CEOs and Taluk Panchayats to rush the process. The department has ordered them to immediately prepare order sheets, complete FTO signatories, and release the first instalment of grants to the selected few beneficiaries. The letter even warns that implementing officers will be held responsible if this is not done — a clear indication that the delay is not just an oversight but a case of administrative negligence.
Political Fallout Brewing
Opposition BJP leaders wasted no time in seizing on this revelation. Several have openly accused the Congress of prioritising its vote-bank guarantees over basic development. “The Congress government is bankrupt in ideas and funds. The Housing Department’s own letter shows that they can’t even use the money given by the Centre to build houses for the poor,” an opposition MLA said, demanding a white paper on how guarantee schemes are affecting Karnataka’s welfare projects.
The matter has become an embarrassment for Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. Many are questioning how the Housing Ministry failed to meet even the minimum targets, despite its district scoring zero progress.
Blame Game Won’t Work Anymore
While the Congress government has repeatedly blamed the Centre for “withholding” or “delaying” funds for development projects, the Housing Department’s letter makes it clear that the real failure lies at home — the state simply did not fulfil its job of selecting beneficiaries and releasing grants promptly.
Now, under mounting pressure, the Siddaramaiah government must explain to thousands of poor families waiting for a roof over their heads why they are left behind. Many political observers believe this may become a significant talking point for the BJP and JD(S) in the upcoming local body elections.
Suppose the government does not immediately accelerate implementation and demonstrate visible progress on PMAY-G and other housing schemes. In that case, the Congress faces the risk of losing the confidence of rural voters who voted for them — ironically — on promises of welfare and security.
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