No ‘good news’ yet for Kogilu Layout families, houses to be allotted after Jan. 5

More than 150 families affected by the Kogilu Layout demolition, who were assured by Minority Welfare and Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, that they would receive “good news” on January 1, are yet to be allotted houses, leaving the displaced residents in continued uncertainty.

Sources told The Hindu that the allotment of houses is now expected only after January 5, as the government is still not prepared with a final count of eligible beneficiaries. The sources added that the eligibility criteria, which will determine how the houses are to be distributed, has not yet been clearly defined, delaying the rehabilitation process.

Meanwhile, an NGO that has been working closely with residents of the locality for several years has revised its survey figures, stating that nearly 180 families were affected by the demolition, an increase of 10 families from its earlier estimate. The organisation said these families were not present at the site during the initial post-demolition survey and were therefore missed.

According to the NGO, all 10 families possess the necessary documents to establish their eligibility. To substantiate its claims, the organisation has recorded video testimonies of the affected families and released them publicly, seeking to ensure that they are included in the final list of beneficiaries.

‘Govt diluting promises’

Samyukta Horata Karnataka criticised the government over the demolition of houses, calling it an “inhuman mistake” and warning the government against reneging on its promise to rehabilitate the affected families.

The collective said the government had earlier assured that families whose homes were demolished in Kogilu Layout would be provided houses as a humane gesture for the New Year.

However, it is alleged that the government has now begun diluting this assurance by stating that houses would be given only to those with documents and only to those who are from Karnataka. The organisation demanded that the State provide housing to all families affected by the demolition without discriminating between locals and so-called outsiders.