LIFE Mission, Wayanad rehab tell the real Kerala story: CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Kerala completed the construction of more than 5 lakh houses under the LIFE Mission, and the rehabilitation township built at Kalpetta for survivors of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide reflects the state's approach to comprehensive housing security and disaster rehabilitation.

In an article titled ‘Real Kerala Story', the CM said the formal announcement of the completion of over five lakh houses under the LIFE Mission is being made. The scheme was launched in 2017 as a comprehensive housing security project. As of Feb 21, 2026, a total of 6,04,046 families were sanctioned housing assistance under the scheme, and construction of more than 5 lakh houses was completed.


The scheme also includes housing complexes. Four housing complexes were completed, one was purchased and handed over to beneficiaries, and 10 are under construction at various stages. In addition, 13 housing complexes were completed and handed over to landless and homeless beneficiaries through local self-govt institutions, voluntary organizations and partnership or sponsorship initiatives.

Beneficiaries receive Rs 4 lakh as assistance under the scheme. Scheduled Tribe families living in remote and difficult areas receive Rs 6 lakh. From 2017-18 till date, the total expenditure under the LIFE housing scheme is Rs 20,831.60 crore. Of this, Rs 2,488.90 crore is the central share and Rs 18,342.70 crore is the state share, which includes loans availed from Hudco.

Referring to the Wayanad landslides, the CM said the govt undertook rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures from the first day of the disaster. A model township is being constructed at Elstone Estate in Kalpetta for affected families. The foundation stone for the township was laid on March 27, 2025.

Spread over 64.47 hectares, the township will have 410 houses, of which 178 were completed. Once all houses are completed, more than 1,662 persons will receive permanent housing. The township includes internal roads, a health centre, anganwadi, public market and community centres. It was designed taking into account the terrain and climatic conditions of Wayanad. The houses were structurally designed to withstand minor earthquakes.

The govt provided a special rehabilitation package for those who lost livelihoods. Families that lost shop rooms were granted Rs 7 lakh each, with Rs 2.5 lakh for each additional shop room lost. Entrepreneurs are eligible for compensation of up to 50% of losses, subject to ceilings of Rs 20 lakh in the manufacturing sector, Rs 10 lakh in the service sector, and Rs 7 lakh in the trade sector. The compensation is being provided from the CM's distress relief fund.

The govt took over 1,620 loans of 155 affected families at a cost of about Rs 18.75 crore. More than Rs 6.16 crore was provided as rent assistance to families who lost houses. Over Rs 13 crore was distributed as compensation to relatives of those who died in the disaster. A total of 21 children who lost both parents were granted Rs 10 lakh each as a deposit.

As livelihood assistance, Rs 300 each is being distributed to 1,184 persons, for which Rs 17.7 crore was spent so far. Fourteen families that declined houses in the govt-built township were given Rs 15 lakh each as compensation.

The first phase inauguration of the township, originally scheduled for Feb 25, has been postponed to March 1 for undisclosed reasons.