87,000 families in Haveri still without homes or plots: Survey

Haveri: A survey conducted by Haveri zilla panchayat officials has found that 86,894 families in the district lack housing or land, as part of the state govt’s effort to identify people deprived of homes and sites due to poverty and other socio-economic factors. The govt had earlier issued ownership documents to millions of families who had been living for years on government and private land without legal rights.

Following this, officials launched a statewide exercise to identify those still without housing or plots. Haveri, with its predominantly rural population, saw extensive data collection at the gram panchayat level, where most residents live. Zilla panchayat officials gathered detailed information from villages on families without homes or land.

The survey covered all taluks in the district. Officials also created awareness among people lacking housing or plots, urging them to submit their details along with relevant documents to their gram panchayats. Many residents, already aware of the drive, visited panchayat offices to get their names registered.

As part of the process, the zilla panchayat set May 31 as the last date for registration and is now preparing to finalise the list. Hangal and Haveri taluks reported the highest number of such families.

An earlier survey conducted in 2018 had already prepared a list of beneficiaries lacking houses and plots. This list is currently being revised, with new eligible names being added.

Officials said the process is in its final stage, with only the inclusion of last-minute applicants pending. After the May 31 deadline, authorities were instructed to complete and submit the final list.

The govt has warned that eligible beneficiaries must ensure their names are registered. “Those without housing or plots should approach the gram panchayat office with the necessary documents. If eligible people are left out, the gram panchayat development officer will be held responsible,” it stated.

Officials said the survey will help assess the exact number of families needing housing and support the rollout of a new scheme. “Every such family was identified in 2018, and now the list is being updated. Eligible individuals must register with valid documents,” said Daljit Kumar, CEO, ZP Haveri.