Sri Vijaya Puram, May 18: Serious irregularities, construction delays and alleged substandard execution in a flagship housing project for the urban poor in Sri Vijaya Puram have triggered demands for a high-level probe, with MP Bishnu Pada Ray seeking urgent intervention from the Prime Minister to address mounting grievances of beneficiaries.
In a detailed communication dated May 17, Ray raised concerns over the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) project at Prothrapur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, alleging administrative negligence, mismanagement and failure to deliver promised housing within stipulated timelines. The issue has placed the spotlight on the execution of welfare schemes aimed at economically weaker sections.
The project, undertaken by the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, was intended to provide housing units to identified EWS beneficiaries under the “Housing for All” mission. A total of 213 units across three blocks—Block A (48 units), Block B (54 units), and Block C (111 units), were sanctioned under the approved plan.
According to the MP, the project has repeatedly missed completion deadlines. Authorities initially assured that the housing units would be handed over by June 2024. This timeline was later revised to March 2025 and subsequently extended again to March 2026. Despite these commitments, the project remains incomplete, with only partial progress reported.
Ray stated that Blocks A and B, comprising 102 units, have reached approximately 80 per cent completion but still lack essential facilities required for habitation. Block C, which includes 111 units, has progressed to only around 20 per cent, with no clear timeline for completion.
The situation escalated on May 3, when the implementing agency allegedly attempted to hand over incomplete housing units to beneficiaries. The move was met with protests, as beneficiaries refused to accept houses lacking basic amenities and essential infrastructure.
Following representations from affected families, the MP conducted a site visit on May 4 to assess the ground situation. During the inspection, several deficiencies were reported by beneficiaries, raising serious questions about the quality and compliance of construction work.
Among the key concerns highlighted were deviations from the approved layout plan, with constructed units reportedly smaller than the sanctioned 36 square metres. Beneficiaries alleged that actual built-up areas were closer to 27 square metres, significantly reducing living space.
Critical infrastructure components were also found incomplete. These included electrical wiring, meter installations, internal fixtures, water connections, sanitation facilities and sewage systems. Reports of inadequate septic tank capacity, absence of internal roads, poor drainage systems and lack of street lighting further compounded the concerns.
Beneficiaries also pointed to structural issues such as water leakage from slabs during rainfall and visible cracks in walls, raising doubts about the safety and durability of the housing units. Many described the structures as unsuitable for habitation in their current condition.
Adding to the distress, beneficiaries have reportedly begun repaying loans of Rs 8 lakh sanctioned under the scheme from April 2026, despite not receiving possession of completed houses. This has placed an additional financial burden on families already struggling under economic constraints.
The MP’s letter further noted allegations of mismanagement and lack of oversight by the UT Administration, stating that the implementing agency failed to ensure adherence to project timelines and quality standards. He emphasised that the situation has caused widespread resentment among beneficiaries and risks undermining public trust in welfare schemes.
Seeking remedial action, Ray has urged the Centre to initiate an independent high-level inquiry by a central agency to examine the delays, construction quality and financial aspects of the project. He also called for a detailed technical audit to verify compliance with approved plans and housing norms.
The letter stressed the need to fix accountability for the lapses and ensure that beneficiaries are given an opportunity to present their grievances during the inquiry process.
Highlighting the broader implications, the MP stated that any negligence in the implementation of schemes like PMAY directly impacts the credibility of government initiatives aimed at improving living standards for the poor.
As the matter awaits response from the Centre, the fate of hundreds of EWS families in Prothrapur remains uncertain, with incomplete homes and financial liabilities continuing to define their reality.
