Port Blair: Coming to the aid of hundreds of economically weaker families awaiting their dream homes, Andaman and Nicobar Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has urged Canara Bank to immediately halt EMI recoveries from beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) housing project at Prothrapur until the flats are completed and handed over. In a representation to the Regional Manager of Canara Bank, Kolkata-III, the MP highlighted the plight of 213 Economically Weaker Section (EWS) beneficiaries who have reportedly begun facing deductions of Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) despite the housing project remaining unfinished.
Ray pointed out that during earlier discussions involving the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC), National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) and PMAY beneficiaries, it had been agreed that EMI recovery would commence only after completion of the project and handing over of possession. It was also understood that any additional interest burden arising from project delays would be borne or suitably compensated by the implementing agencies.
However, with the project still incomplete and possession yet to be granted, beneficiaries have reportedly started facing EMI deductions from their bank accounts. The MP noted that SVPMC had already written to the bank on April 13 and April 23 this year, seeking deferment of EMI recovery in view of the delay, with the project now expected to be completed only by December 30, 2026.
Describing the situation as unfair to beneficiaries, Ray said many families are being forced to shoulder a double financial burden by paying rent for their current accommodation while simultaneously repaying housing loans for homes they have not yet received. Stressing that beneficiaries should not suffer for delays attributable to executing agencies, the MP urged the bank to suspend EMI deductions until possession of the completed flats is handed over. He further called upon SVPMC and NBCC to bear any financial liabilities arising from the delay rather than passing the burden on to the beneficiaries.
Seeking a broader intervention, Ray has also forwarded copies of his representation to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, requesting an inquiry into the prolonged delay in the execution of the PMAY (Urban) project. The Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Chairperson of SVPMC and the affected beneficiaries have also been apprised of the matter.
