SALAR NEWS

K’taka govt to house only 90 of 3,000 Kogilu evictees

Govt had said ‘genuine’ homeless residents will be given relief

PTI

https://salarnews.in/public/uploads/images/newsimages/maannewsimage01012026_224336_KOGILU (2)(2).jpg

Rubble lies scattered as families live in tents after the government demolished over 200 houses in Kogilu near Yelahanka in Bengaluru Photo: MOHAMMED ASAD

Bengaluru, 1 Jan

Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh on Thursday said only 90 families evicted from Faqir Colony in Kogilu Layout are eligible for compensatory housing, rejecting claims that as many as 400 families, estimated at around 3,000 people, would be accommodated.

The clarification comes days after the Karnataka government, on 29 December, announced alternate accommodation for “genuine” homeless residents whose illegally built houses or sheds were demolished during a recent drive in north Bengaluru.

Addressing the media, Suresh said a joint survey by officials from the Urban Development and Social Welfare departments found that only 90 residents were local and eligible. “Only those who belong to the city and are genuine beneficiaries will be given houses,” he said.

The Opposition BJP, however, warned of protests in Bengaluru on January 5 if what it termed an “illegal allotment” went ahead. Yelahanka BJP MLA S R Vishwanath alleged irregularities, claiming that several people who deposited Rs one lakh a year ago were yet to receive houses as construction remained incomplete.

He said beneficiaries under the Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana must have an annual income below Rs three lakh, have lived in Bengaluru for at least five years, and possess a domicile certificate—none of which, he claimed, had been issued in Faqir Layout.

Vishwanath further alleged that applicants who applied six years ago were still waiting, while recent applicants were being considered, and said the BJP would challenge the allotment in court and raise the issue with the Governor.

Adding to the criticism, Yeshwanthpur MLA ST Somashekar questioned why Kogilu residents were being charged Rs 2.5 lakh, compared with Rs 10.5 lakh elsewhere. He alleged the concessions—partly funded by the civic body and the Minority Welfare Board—were illegal.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed the controversy, saying attempts were being made to disturb peace and that the police were ensuring law and order.—PTI