An analysis of Social Housing Schemes and Rural Housing Development in Karnataka: a Correlation analysis

Abstract The study examines the performance and growth of rural housing schemes and their role in rural development in Karnataka. Housing is one of the most basic and essential needs of every individual. It provides not only shelter and physical security but also contributes to social security, dignity, and status in society. Over time, housing has evolved beyond its traditional role of providing shelter and has become an important component of socio-economic development. It contributes to employment generation, improvement in living standards, and the overall development of rural areas. Therefore, rural housing schemes play a significant role in promoting inclusive and sustainable rural development in Karnataka.The study focuses exclusively on major rural housing schemes implemented in Karnataka, namely Rural Ashraya/Basava Vasathi, Rural Ambedkar Housing Scheme, Devaraj Urs Housing Scheme, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Nivas, and Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY)/Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G). The study has two major objectives: (i) to examine the performance and objectives of rural housing schemes in Karnataka, and (ii) to analyse the trends in the growth of houses constructed and expenditure incurred under rural housing schemes in the state. Through this study result, it is clearly explained that the correlation analysis reveals a very strong and statistically significant positive relationship between expenditure on rural housing schemes and the number of houses constructed in Karnataka during 2015–16 to 2024–25 (r=0.976, p<0.01). This indicates that variations in expenditure are closely associated with corresponding changes in the number of houses constructed. Therefore, the study finds a significant positive association between financial expenditure and rural housing construction in Karnataka during the study period. Keywords: Rural Housing Schemes, Performance, Houses Constructed, and Expenditure Allocation 1.Introduction Housing is one of the most fundamental necessities of human life and plays a vital role in ensuring social security, dignity, and an improved standard of living. Adequate and secure housing provides not only physical shelter but also contributes to the overall socio-economic well-being of individuals and households. In developing economies, access to safe and affordable housing is closely associated with poverty reduction, social inclusion, employment generation, and improvement in living conditions. Therefore, housing has emerged as an important component of inclusive and sustainable development. Rural housing holds particular significance because a large proportion of the rural population depends on agriculture and other informal sources of livelihood and often faces constraints in accessing adequate and affordable housing. Poor housing conditions in rural areas are generally associated with low household incomes, inadequate basic amenities, limited access to infrastructure, and socio-economic vulnerability. Consequently, the provision of housing to rural households has become an important component of rural development policies and welfare programmes.Structural housing interventions as a fundamental pillar of human welfare, directly tied to the multi-dimensional poverty index in the rural corners of Karnataka. In India, the Government has implemented various social housing programmes to provide affordable and secure housing to economically weaker and vulnerable sections of society. These programmes have evolved over time with changes in policy priorities, institutional arrangements, and development objectives. Major initiatives such as the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY), subsequently transformed into the Pradhan Mantri AwaasYojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), have focused on improving housing conditions among rural households. In addition, state-level housing schemes have been implemented to address the specific housing requirements of disadvantaged and economically weaker sections. Karnataka has implemented several rural housing schemes aimed at providing housing assistance to eligible rural households and improving their living conditions. Important schemes include Rural Ashraya/Basava Vasathi, Rural Ambedkar Housing Scheme, Devaraj Urs Housing Scheme, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Nivas, and IAY/PMAY-G. These schemes are intended to promote access to housing among economically weaker sections and socially disadvantaged groups while contributing to broader rural development objectives. The implementation of such schemes is also expected to generate employment opportunities, improve household assets, enhance access to basic amenities, and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of rural communities. 2.Research Objectives To examine the performance and objectives of rural housing schemes in Karnataka. To analyse the growth in trends of houses constructed and expenditure status under rural housing schemes in the state. 3.Research Hypothesis There is a significant positive relationship between rural housing expenditure and the number of houses constructed in Karnataka. 4.Material and Methods The present study is primarily based on secondary data sources. The data required for the study were collected from various official reports and secondary sources. These include publications of the Government of Karnataka, Housing Department; Karnataka Economic Survey (2025-26); Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Bengaluru; Government e-Procurement information; and Karnataka Housing Board (KHB). In addition, relevant books, newspapers, periodicals, research articles, research papers, and official websites were also consulted for collecting the required secondary data. The statistical data for the present study were collected for the period 2013 to 2025. Statistical Analytical Methods: The present study used various statistical techniques, such as percentages, Average Annual Growth Rate (AGR), Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), trend analysis, linear regression, and correlation analysis, to analyse and interpret the secondary data. The secondary data were analysed using statistical software packages such as SPSS 21 and Gretl. 5.Performance of Rural Housing Schemes in Karnataka: An Overview This section analyses the performance and objectives of various rural housing schemes in Karnataka, which are briefly explained below: Rural Ashraya/BasavaVasathi Yojana: The scheme was launched in 2000 under the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Limited (RGRHCL) to provide pucca houses to economically weaker and homeless families in Karnataka, particularly those belonging to BPL, SC, ST and OBC categories. The scheme is implemented by the Government of Karnataka in coordination with the Central Government, with the primary objective of improving housing conditions and the standard of living of disadvantaged households. Beneficiaries who own land are provided financial assistance and construction materials to build durable pucca houses. The scheme also supports families who are unable to construct houses due to financial constraints. Under the programme, up to 85 per cent of construction materials were provided free of cost to eligible beneficiaries. The Karnataka Government allocated approximately ₹2,500 crore for the construction of nearly two lakh houses across the state. DevarajUrs Housing Scheme: It is a special-category welfare housing programme launched by the Government of Karnataka in the financial year 2014–15 and implemented through the RGRHCL. The scheme aims to provide housing assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities, leprosy-cured persons, HIV-affected families, Devadasi, nomadic tribes, riot-affected victims, widows, and transgender persons. Beneficiaries are selected by a district-level committee headed by the respective Deputy Commissioner. The scheme provides financial assistance and material support for the construction or repair of houses, including assistance of up to 80 per cent of construction materials, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions. Generally, beneficiary families are required to meet specified annual income limits, such as ₹32,000 for rural households and ₹87,600 for urban households. The scheme seeks to provide safe and secure housing to vulnerable groups and thereby improve their living conditions and socio-economic well-being. Dr. B.R. AmbedkarNivas Scheme: The scheme was launched by the Government of Karnataka in 2015–16 and is implemented through the RGRHCL. The scheme aims to provide housing assistance to economically weaker families belonging primarily to the SC community, particularly homeless households and those living in inadequate housing conditions. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries are provided financial assistance for the construction of pucca houses on their own residential sites. The scheme seeks to improve housing conditions, promote social inclusion, and enhance the socio-economic well-being of disadvantaged families. Financial assistance is provided in the form of housing grants, subject to the prevailing government norms and eligibility criteria. The scheme is an important component of Karnataka’s efforts to promote social justice, housing security, and inclusive rural development.Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided in the form of grants ranging from Rs.1.5 lakh to Rs.3 lakh (and up to Rs.2 lakh in specific updates) for constructing a house on their own land. The scheme targets beneficiaries such as SC and ST communities living below the poverty line in Karnataka. Indira AwaasYojana (IAY)/ PradhanMantriAwaasYojana–Gramin (PMAY-G): The IAY/ PMAY-G was a major rural housing programme of the Government of India aimed at providing pucca houses to houseless and economically weaker rural households. In 2016, IAY was restructured and renamed as the PMAY-G to provide improved housing assistance to eligible rural households.In Karnataka, PMAY-G