Bengaluru: 15 housing criteria stand in the way of Kogilu Layout rehabilitation

Questions are being raised over whether the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation will relax its strict 15 eligibility norms, as many evicted Kogilu encroachers lack mandatory documents required for house or flat allotment.

The Kogilu layout eviction case has taken a new turn, with growing uncertainty over whether existing housing allotment rules will be changed for affected residents. The Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation currently follows a strict set of 15 eligibility criteria for the allotment of houses or flats, but most evicted encroachers reportedly do not meet these conditions.

Officials said that until now, housing allotment under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation has been strictly based on these 15 norms. However, in the Kogilu case, many encroachers lack basic documentation required under the rules, raising doubts about how beneficiaries will be finalised.

Sources indicated that only applicants who satisfy all 15 eligibility conditions may be considered for final allotment. Based on these criteria, authorities are planning to decide the distribution of plots or flats.

Also Read:Kogilu encroachment eviction: Final beneficiary list likely only after Monday

What are the 15 eligibility criteria?

As per the existing rules of the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation, applicants must meet the following conditions:
1.    Annual family income must be within ₹3 lakh
2.    Applicant must have lived within Bengaluru Urban district for at least five years
3.    Family must be houseless
4.    Aadhaar number is mandatory
5.    Applicant must possess a ration card
6.    Income certificate is compulsory
7.    Caste certificate is required for those seeking caste-based reservation
8.    Voter ID issued by the Election Commission is mandatory
9.    Construction workers must have a valid Labour Department registration number
10.    Persons with disabilities must submit a valid disability certificate

Out of the total flats, 2% are reserved for persons with disabilities.

11.    Applicant must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account
12.    Priority will be given to cab drivers, domestic workers, pushcart vendors and street vendors
13.    Only one application per family is allowed
14.    Plot allotment will have 50% reservation for the general public and 50% for local residents
15.    The government will bear 3% to 5% interest subsidy on housing loans, up to 26% of the EMI, with a maximum cap of ₹3,000

Also Read:New Year shock in Bengaluru: Luxury cars gutted in fire

Challenges in applying the norms

Officials revealed that most encroachers do not meet several key requirements. Many reportedly do not have Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. While several claim to be labourers or daily wage workers, they do not possess supporting documents.

Another major hurdle is the rule requiring at least five years of residence within Bengaluru Urban district. Several residents reportedly lack proof to establish this condition. Additionally, information available suggests that only 57 individuals currently hold valid ration cards.

With these gaps, questions remain over which criteria will ultimately be applied and whether the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation will relax its norms specifically for Kogilu layout residents. A final decision is awaited as authorities continue deliberations on how to balance eligibility rules with rehabilitation needs.

Also Read:Karnataka Housing Board issues warning on illegal plot sales