Stalled Life Mission funds force couple to live in cattle shed for eight months

With their Life Mission housing funds abruptly stalled, a family in Valiyapara near Chakkupallam has been forced to live in a cattle shed for the past eight months. Augustine Joseph Koombapilly (57) and his wife, Elsamma, continue to wait in distress as the construction of their new house hangs in uncertainty.

Eight months ago, the couple was allotted a house under the Life Mission scheme by the Block Panchayat. In the first phase, they received ₹48,000. To begin construction, they dismantled their old house, cleared and levelled the land and temporarily moved into an unused cattle shed on their property.

However, although they were informed that the next instalment would be released upon completion of the foundation, no further funds have been disbursed. Holding on to repeated assurances from Block Panchayat officials and the local ward member, the couple continued construction by borrowing money. So far, they have spent over ₹6 lakh; only the initial amount came from the government, and the rest is entirely borrowed. “Each time I approach the authorities, they give the same reply, that the money will be released soon,” Augustine said.