NITI Aayog recognises Kerala’s LIFE Mission as best model for affordable housing

The NITI Aayog has recognised the State government’s LIFE (Livelihood, Inclusion and Financial Empowerment) Mission as one of the best practices in affordable housing in the country.

In its recent report, the NITI Aayog described LIFE Mission as a “multi-faceted convergence and community-based model,” noting that it effectively brings together resources of various departments and local self-governments institution to address the housing needs of the poor.

Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh said in Thrissur on Thursday that the State has already completed 4,76,076 houses under the scheme, while construction of another 1,24,471 houses is currently under way. “We are confident of completing five lakh houses by February,” the Minister said.

Highlighting the financial support extended under the scheme, Mr. Rajesh said LIFE Mission provides the highest housing assistance in the country. “The State offers ₹4 lakh per house, and for Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries, the assistance is ₹6 lakh,” he said.

Launched in 2016, LIFE Mission was conceived as a comprehensive housing initiative aimed at addressing Kerala’s housing shortage and ensuring secure shelter for the most vulnerable sections of society. The project has since emerged as a flagship welfare programme of the State government, earning national recognition for its scale, design and inclusive approach.