The Karnataka government has launched a major housing initiative to provide free residential sites to families without houses or housing sites across the state. The programme was announced as part of the initiatives unveiled by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s government to mark 100 days in office.
Under the first phase, the government plans to distribute 5 lakh housing sites, providing landless and houseless families with an opportunity to build their own homes. The initiative is aimed particularly at economically weaker and socially disadvantaged sections of society.
The larger plan is even more ambitious. The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to provide 50,000 residential sites in every district, which would amount to approximately 15 lakh sites across the state. The first five lakh sites will form the initial phase, followed by two additional phases of five lakh sites each.
Who Will Get Priority?
The government has indicated that priority will be given to vulnerable and economically disadvantaged groups. These include Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, minorities and other poor families who do not own a house or residential site. Officials have also been instructed to identify suitable land for developing the sites.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara directed district administrations to identify land for at least 50,000 housing sites in every district. The selected land is expected to have access to basic infrastructure such as roads and water and should preferably be located close to villages.
Free Sites for Landless Families
The initiative is intended to address the housing needs of families who have land but no house, as well as those who do not own residential property. Providing a housing site can help beneficiaries construct permanent homes and improve their long-term financial and social security.
Karnataka already implements housing-site programmes for economically weaker sections. According to the state’s Economic Survey, free house sites have traditionally been provided under the Rural House Site Scheme and the Vajpayee Urban Site Scheme, with beneficiary selection carried out through Gram Sabhas in rural areas and Ashraya Committees in urban areas.
District-Wise Implementation
District administrations will play a key role in identifying suitable government or other permissible land, preparing layouts and selecting eligible beneficiaries. Authorities have been asked to speed up land identification and related administrative processes.
The new initiative is expected to provide a major boost to housing access in rural and semi-urban Karnataka. By giving eligible families land on which they can construct homes, the government hopes to promote inclusive development and better living conditions.
With 5 lakh sites planned in the first phase and a broader target of 15 lakh sites, the programme represents a large-scale housing-site distribution effort in Karnataka. Further details regarding application procedures, eligibility lists, district-wise allocation and timelines are expected to be communicated by the government and local authorities
Phased Distribution Target
| Phase | Target | Timeline/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 5 lakh sites | Targeted for distribution by December 2026 |
| Phase 2 | 5 lakh sites | To follow Phase 1 |
| Phase 3 | 5 lakh sites | Final phase |
| Total | 15 lakh sites | Statewide |
The government has also decided on a broad target of 50,000 sites per district, which works out to around 15 lakh sites across Karnataka. Around 10,000 acres of land have already been identified, while district administrations have been instructed to identify and develop additional land.
Important clarification: The ₹5 lakh figure is not the total target. It refers only to the first phase. The overall programme targets 15 lakh sites, with 5 lakh sites in each of the three phases. The first phase has been targeted for completion by December 2026.