The construction of 5,220 houses for economically weaker families is under way in Cuddalore district under the Tamil Nadu government’s ‘Kalaignar Kanavu Illam’ scheme (KKI), launched with the vision of achieving a hut-free Tamil Nadu by 2030.

Launched during 2024-25, the KKI envisages the construction of one lakh houses annually across Tamil Nadu in the first phase. In Cuddalore, the project is being implemented through the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj department, with work orders sanctioned in 2024.

As part of the scheme, each beneficiary is provided a financial assistance of ₹3.5 lakh, disbursed in three phases, for constructing a 360-sq. ft. house. Beneficiaries can choose from four approved design models according to their preference.

According to Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar, the construction targets for different blocks in the district, include 477 houses in Cuddalore, 487 in Annagramam, 523 in Panruti, 681 in Kurunjipadi, 223 in Kattumannarkovil, 260 in Kumaratchi, 211 in Keerapalayam, 270 in Mel Bhuvanagiri, 301 in Parangipettai, 406 in Vriddhachalam, 290 in Kammapuram, 338 in Nallur, 352 in Mangalur and 431 in Srimushnam.

The progress in the construction of the houses includes the provision of lintel for 1,099 houses, the laying of roof for 2,337 houses, and plastering/whitewash and colour wash for 542 units.