THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in the assembly that those who received financial assistance for house damage and repair during floods will also be given four lakh rupees as government assistance in the LIFE housing scheme. Chief Minister was replying to opposition leader VD Satheesan's allegation that whatever is left after flood relief only was being given in LIFE. The opposition staged a walkout alleging that the LIFE project was a waiting plan, stalled for three years and that the powers of the local bodies were being encroached upon.
Minister MB Rajesh informed that more than 3.23 lakh houses have been completed in LIFE. 3,23,894 houses were handed over. The first Pinarayi government completed 2,61,131 houses. Flats were given to 469 families. 54,589 houses are under construction. 10,000 people have to sign the agreement. 179 flats will be handed over soon. The foundation stone for the construction of 400 fishermen's flats in Vizhinjam will be laid on the 10th. The minister said that insurance has been arranged for them.
Muslim League's PK Basheer, who presented an emergency motion notice, demanded that the government usurped the power of panchayats in LIFE and should return it. Minister replied that the government has not usurped the power of the local bodies and the LIFE beneficiaries are selected by the local bodies. He informed that out of four lakh rupees, 2.4 lakh rupees are given as loan allocation to the local bodies and one lakh rupees as financial assistance.
Minister MB Rajesh said that the three orphans of Malappuram were not included in the LIFE list because the family had their own concrete house. There are nine people in the family on one ration card. They have their own house on this card. The reply was when PK Basheer pointed out that LIFE officials had said that there is no rule to include orphan girls in LIFE and they can be given houses only if they get married.