𝑳𝑰𝑮 𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒔: Definition, Benefits, Specifications, Schemes

Low-income group (LIG) flats are an integral part of the affordable housing initiatives in India. LIG flats offer an affordable and decent housing solution explicitly designed for low-income individuals and families.

Owning an apartment or flat has long been every individual’s dream and goal. Finding a comfortable, meticulously maintained, and affordable home is becoming increasingly difficult for Indians to afford due to continually growing property prices and real estate inflation. The governments of several Indian states have established Housing Boards to offer pleasant and inexpensive housing for everyone. 

To prevent the unjust dominance of flats by the wealthy, governments have developed categories of real estate types and attempted to match them to their qualified beneficiaries according to economic classes and income divisions. The various kinds of apartments include –

• Low-Income Group Flats (LIG) 
• Middle Income Group Flats (MIG) 
• High-Income Group Flats (HIG) 
• Economically Weaker Section Flats (EWS) 

This comprehensive guide will explore the definition, features, specifications, benefits, and numerous government schemes associated with LIG flats in India.

LIG Flats – Definition

LIG flats are residential units which stand for Low-Income Groups, catering to individuals and families falling under the low-income category. They constructed these flats to provide affordable housing options to those who might otherwise struggle to find suitable accommodation. LIG flats are typically smaller than higher-income housing options but are built to ensure basic amenities and comfortable living for the occupants.

What are the Features of LIG Flats?

LIG apartments are low-income group units offered by various government schemes to provide affordable housing for the economically weaker sections of society. Some of the features of LIG flats are –

• Affordability – LIG flats are priced lower than other housing options, making them financially accessible for individuals with limited income. They are sold at a resale price of around Rs. 40 to 45 lakhs depending on the LIG apartment’s location, condition and furnishing.
• Compact Design – LIG flats are designed to optimise space and provide necessary amenities within a smaller area, ensuring efficient utilisation of available resources. LIG flat sizes are usually 1 BHK with a 72 to 90-square-metre carpet area.
• Basic Amenities – LIG flats have amenities such as water supply, electricity, power backup, water storage, security, parking, sanitation facilities, and common areas for community engagement. 
• Security – LIG housing schemes often incorporate security measures such as gated communities, surveillance systems, and dedicated security personnel to ensure the safety of residents.

The Specifications of LIG Flats

LIG apartments are constructed in a specific way with specifications such as –

• LIG Flat Size – These flats range from 300 to 600 square feet, providing adequate space for a small family or individual.
• Layout – LIG flats comprise one or two bedrooms, a living space, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Although small, the apartments typically have proper ventilation. There might even be two toilets in some cases, although this is rare. The bedroom has two broad windows for ventilation and even a mini-balcony.
• Construction Standards – These flats follow specific guidelines and building codes to ensure structural safety and quality.
• Location – LIG flats are strategically located to provide easy access to essential facilities such as schools, hospitals, markets, and public transportation.

What are the Benefits of Living in a LIG Flat?

Some of the benefits of living in a LIG flat are – 

• Affordable Housing – LIG flats enable individuals and families with limited incomes to own or rent a home at a price they can afford, reducing the burden of housing expenses.
• Community Living – LIG housing schemes often foster a sense of community among residents, providing opportunities for social interactions and support networks.
• Basic Amenities – Despite being budget-friendly, LIG flats offer essential amenities such as water, electricity, and sanitation facilities, ensuring a decent standard of living.
• Proximity to Facilities – LIG flats are usually located in areas with easy access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, markets, and transportation options.
• Government Support – Residents of LIG flats can benefit from various government schemes, subsidies, and incentives to promote affordable housing for low-income groups.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for a LIG Flat?

The eligibility criteria for a LIG flat are as follows –

• The individual must belong to a household with an annual gross income of Rs. 3 to 6 lakhs.
• One must not own any other ‘pucca’ house or flat in their name or any family member’s name in any part of India.
• One must not have availed of any additional benefit or subsidy under any central or state government housing scheme.
• The individual must have a valid Aadhaar card and a bank account to apply for a LIG flat.

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Numerous Government Schemes for Offering LIG Flats

There are numerous government schemes for offering LIG flats in India. Some of the most popular ones are –

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

Established in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) intends to build over 2 lakhs “pucca” dwellings for the nation’s economically underprivileged populations by 2024.

This initiative has two parts: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), which is for the urban poor, and Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin), which is for the rural poor.

Prior to 2021, the government also offered this programme at a subsidy of 3-4% for the MIG I and MIG II categories, but that subsidy has since been eliminated. It is only available for LIG flats under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). LIG households can get a subsidy of 6.5% on their home loan interest rate for a loan of up to Rs 6 lakhs and a carpet area of up to 60 square metres.

Rajiv Awas Yojana

The Indian government started the scheme in 2013–2014 to eradicate the country of slums by 2022 and provide affordable housing to the urban poor. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation of the Indian government introduced this programme, which was intended to benefit one million people.

Thousands of LIG flats and EWS flats ranging from 21 to 40 square metres (226 to 430 square feet) were built as part of this programme. This scheme allows LIG flats in various locations, such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, etc.

Nijashree Housing Scheme

This programme, started by the West Bengal Housing Board, intends to relieve public housing frets by offering MIG and LIG flats at reasonable prices to the appropriate income groups. The government aims to build a “basha” (house) for everyone.

The Nijashree proposal calls for the construction of 16 flat blocks, each of which will have LIG flats, or 1-bedroom apartments, measuring 378 square feet, and MIG flats, or 2-bedroom apartments, measuring 559 square feet.

Each apartment will be distributed via lottery in the relevant district or subdivision to dispel suspicion of deceit or manipulation.

The applicant’s family income cannot be higher than Rs. 15,000 for LIG applicants and INR 30,000 for MIG applicants to be qualified for this plan. Additionally, neither the applicant nor any of their family members may currently be the owners of a pucca house or flat.

Another appealing aspect of this programme is that the land cost will not be considered when determining the unit cost because the beneficiary will receive a subsidy for the freehold land.

DDA LIG Flats Scheme

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) launched the Siraspur-based DDA LIG apartments initiative, which intends to build 140 LIG flats that are strategically located, well-ventilated, have a great floor design, and adhere to high standards of hygiene. This state government scheme offers affordable apartments in Delhi through a draw of lots. This scheme allows LIG flats in various locations such as Dwarka, Rohini, Narela, and more.

This scheme strives to create the highest standard among LIG flats by providing well-designed 1BHK apartments along with all the essential modern amenities like alert security service, gym, kid’s play area, lift, power backup, skilled maintenance personnel, cleaning service, reserved parking, etc. so that the economically underprivileged population not only resides but also flourishes.

FAQ’s about LIG Flats