What is APSHCL?
APSHCL stands for Andhra Pradesh State Housing Corporation Limited, a nodal agency that oversees the implementation of various housing schemes in the state. APSHCL was established in 1979 with the objective of providing affordable and quality housing to the weaker sections of the society, such as the rural poor, urban slum dwellers, SCs, STs, BCs, minorities and other vulnerable groups
What are the main functions of APSHCL?
APSHCL performs the following functions:
- Implementing all centrally sponsored housing schemes, such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), in Andhra Pradesh.
- Providing financial and technical assistance to developers, contractors and beneficiaries for constructing houses for the weaker sections.
- Propagating cost-effective and eco-friendly building components and technologies, such as prefabricated structures, fly ash bricks, stabilized mud blocks, etc.
- Monitoring and evaluating the progress and quality of the housing projects.
- Coordinating with various departments, agencies and stakeholders involved in the housing sector.
What are the main housing schemes under APSHCL?
APSHCL implements several housing schemes for different categories of beneficiaries. Some of the major schemes are:
- YSR Housing Scheme: This is a flagship scheme of the state government that aims to provide free houses to all eligible poor families in rural and urban areas. The scheme covers SCs, STs, BCs, minorities, fishermen, weavers and other vulnerable groups. The scheme also provides interest subsidy on loans taken by beneficiaries for house construction.
- PMAY-Gramin: This is a central scheme that provides assistance to rural poor families for constructing or enhancing their existing houses. The scheme covers BPL families, SCs, STs and other priority groups. The scheme also provides convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission, etc.
- PMAY-Urban: This is a central scheme that provides assistance to urban poor families for constructing or enhancing their existing houses. The scheme covers EWS, LIG and MIG categories. The scheme also provides four verticals of assistance, such as in-situ slum redevelopment, affordable housing in partnership, credit-linked subsidy scheme and beneficiary-led individual house construction.
- NTR Rural Housing Scheme: This is a state scheme that provides assistance to rural poor families for constructing new houses or enhancing their existing houses. The scheme covers BPL families, SCs, STs and other priority groups. The scheme also provides convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission, etc.
- NTR Urban Housing Scheme: This is a state scheme that provides assistance to urban poor families for constructing new houses or enhancing their existing houses. The scheme covers EWS and LIG categories. The scheme also provides convergence with other schemes such as Swachh Bharat Mission, Smart Cities Mission, etc.
How to apply for APSHCL schemes?
The beneficiaries who want to avail the benefits of APSHCL schemes can apply online through the official website of APSHCL. They can also visit the nearest office of APSHCL or contact the concerned officials for guidance and assistance. The applicants need to submit their Aadhaar number, income certificate, caste certificate, bank account details and other relevant documents along with their application form. The applications are then verified and approved by the competent authorities based on the eligibility criteria and availability of funds.
What are the benefits of APSHCL schemes?
The APSHCL schemes provide various benefits to the beneficiaries such as:
- Affordable and quality housing with basic amenities such as water supply, sanitation, electricity, etc.
- Improved living standards and social status of the weaker sections of the society.
- Enhanced security and dignity of women and children.
- Reduced vulnerability to natural disasters and environmental hazards.
- Increased employment opportunities and income generation through construction activities.
Conclusion
APSHCL is a housing scheme that aims to provide affordable and quality housing to the weaker sections of the society in Andhra Pradesh. The scheme implements various central and state sponsored schemes for different categories of beneficiaries. The scheme also promotes cost-effective and eco-friendly building technologies and components. The scheme provides various benefits to the beneficiaries such as improved living standards, enhanced security and dignity, reduced vulnerability and increased employment opportunities. The beneficiaries can apply online or offline for availing the benefits of APSHCL schemes.
