Hyderabad: Indiramma housing bill payments have left several cab drivers struggling after officials questioned their eligibility.
Many cab drivers and mini-van operators applied for Indiramma houses because they lacked permanent homes. Officials initially declared them eligible during the application process.
However, the authorities later treated them as car owners while processing housing bills. As a result, officials refused to release payments for some beneficiaries who had already built houses.
The affected drivers depend on cabs and mini-vans for their livelihoods. They say owning or operating a vehicle does not mean they have enough money to build a house without assistance.
Several beneficiaries sold their vehicles to meet the eligibility conditions. Others transferred vehicle ownership to different people and submitted affidavits to support their claims.
Despite those steps, the beneficiaries said they still did not receive their housing bills. Consequently, many have faced financial difficulties after spending money on house construction.
The issue has reportedly affected nearly 20,000 beneficiaries. Many of them now remain concerned about recovering the money they spent on construction.
Indiramma housing bill dispute leaves beneficiaries worried
The beneficiaries said officials flagged their four-wheelers while processing the Indiramma housing bill payments. They argued that vehicle ownership should not automatically mean they are financially well-off.
Meanwhile, some drivers said they borrowed money after officials confirmed their eligibility. They proceeded with construction believing they would receive the promised housing assistance.
Now, the delayed payments have created financial pressure for those beneficiaries. Some say they cannot repay loans because the expected housing funds have not reached them.
The affected cab drivers have questioned the change in their eligibility status. They want authorities to consider the circumstances under which officials initially accepted their applications.
Furthermore, beneficiaries who sold or transferred their vehicles said those measures did not resolve the issue. They also said their affidavits failed to secure the pending payments.
The beneficiaries have expressed concern over the financial burden caused by the delayed bills. They are seeking clarity on their eligibility and the release of the pending housing assistance.