The roof no longer leaks, and even during the last spell of rain, the floor remained dry. For Sudi Hongi from Oeiras, a remote village in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, this was the most visible change.
Sukma, among other districts, was considered among the areas worst affected by the Maoists. The central government, as well as the state government, claimed to have completely eliminated the rebellion. Although this claim will stand the test of time, some changes, through a special housing project under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen), are already emerging.
The project is specially designed for families affected by Naxal violence and surrendered Naxals. According to the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department, the project was initiated at the request of the state and with support from the Center and the project extended housing support to those who remained outside the formal systems.
A total of 15,000 households were sanctioned as part of the effort, expanding coverage to include previously excluded groups, a ministry press release said.
For people like Sudi Hongi, a roof over their head is a huge change in the rhythm of their days. There was a time when rain meant staying up all night, watching the water find its way in, drop by drop, through the roof. Now, she and others like her no longer look on anxiously when clouds gather over their newly built homes.
According to the DPR press release, Sukma leads with 1,756 sanctioned houses, followed by Bijapur with 1,484, and Narayanpur with 483. In terms of completed houses, Sukma again recorded the highest at 41, followed by 26 in Bijapur, 19 in Dantewada, 15 in Kanker and 11 in Kondagaon (11).
Why was the initiative taken?
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the initiative has been taken to ensure that housing subsidy reaches every eligible family, including those who remain outside the current eligibility criteria. He said that this effort reflects a commitment to bringing the most vulnerable families, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas, to a safe and dignified life.
For families affected by violence, and for those who have chosen to move away from insurgent activity, a permanent home provides a point of stability. It allows the transition from uncertainty to settlement and, in many cases, supports reintegration within local communities. Safe housing reduces vulnerability and provides the conditions necessary to rebuild livelihoods and social ties.
From Maui to homeowner
Pawan Kumar of Chingnar village in Varasgaon district of Kondagaon district, is another example. Kumar was earlier associated with a Maoist organisation, as his family lived on the edge of the forest in a hut and a dilapidated mud house, without basic facilities or any sense of security about the future.
Over time, he realized that violence only leads to loss and decided to leave the Maoist organization and return to the mainstream. This decision marked a turning point in his life.
After his surrender, the district administration approved a house for him under PMAY (Gramin) Special Initiative. He received interim financial assistance, with $40,000 first installment $55000 as the second and $25,000 final installments. He was also given 90 days of paid work, all of which helped him complete the construction of his permanent home. The house has electricity, cooking gas, toilet and tap water.
Pawan Kumar is now part of the mainstream, living with his family in a safe environment and working towards a stable future. He expressed his gratitude to the government and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for the support provided under the policy.
Not just for ex-Naxalites
Sodi Hongi’s story is a little different. Her husband, Masa Sodi, was killed on suspicion of being an informant by Naxalites in 2005.
The loss left the family without support, and for years they continued to live in a fragile mud house. The structure provided little protection. During rains, water seeped through the roof, bringing with it the danger of insects and snakes. The nights were often restless, shaped by physical discomfort and a constant feeling of insecurity.
It was included in the housing scheme in 2024, when the Gram Panchayat identified it as eligible under the special project. After approval, financial assistance is up to $1.35 lakh was issued in three tranches. Thus began the gradual transformation in her life.
The design of her home was completed by July 2025, and she now lives there with her family, in a structure that provides security and continuity.
Support extended beyond the home itself. The toilet has been approved for use under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Wage subsidy through MGNREGA provided additional income during the construction period. The family also received access to a ration card and health coverage under existing social welfare programmes. Together, these measures have strengthened the conditions necessary for a safer and more stable life.
A similar transformation can be seen in the Kanker area, where Dashari Bay House was completed within three months of approval. Her circumstances were also marked by loss. Her husband died in a Maoist-related incident during the election period. The village where she lives is located deep in a forest area, about 200 kilometers from the district headquarters, and there is no suitable road for vehicles.
Transporting building materials was a challenge. During the rains, even two-wheelers found it difficult to reach the site. Workers were reluctant to travel such distances, and the cost of materials rose due to logistical constraints. However, thanks to the coordinated support of the district administration and gram panchayat, these difficulties were addressed in phases. The result was a completed house within a short period of time, providing her family with a stable place to live.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the Panchayat and Rural Development portfolio, said the phased implementation of the project has brought housing support to thousands of families who were earlier outside the ambit of the scheme. The initiative aims to enhance the rehabilitation process and return to a more stable and secure life.
