AI SummaryDistribution of Free House Sites to Scheduled Caste/Other Economically Backward Classes is a social welfare scheme of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Government of Puducherry. It gives free house sites to homeless Scheduled Caste families and other economically backward class families so they can construct their own houses on their own land. Since its launch in 1981, the scheme has supported around 11,000 people, and the department continues to accept applications through its offices in 2026.
Free house sites are allotted in an 80:20 ratio, where 80% of the sites go to Scheduled Caste families and the remaining 20% to other economically backward class families. This is an offline scheme, so eligible people have to visit the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department office in Puducherry to apply for a site.
Distribution of Free House Sites to Scheduled Caste/Other Economically Backward Classes - Introduction
Distribution of Free House Sites to Scheduled Caste/Other Economically Backward Classes started in 1981 under the Provision of House Sites/Houses to Scheduled Castes scheme. The Adi Dravidar Welfare Department of Puducherry carries out this scheme at the state level to help poor, homeless Scheduled Caste and EBC families get a permanent piece of land for housing.
A family that gets a house site receives the plot free of cost. With land in their own name, the family can build a house on it and get a permanent roof over their head. This support helps poor families become homeowners and improves their social and economic position.
The final allotment is done through the department. The Revenue Department verifies that the applicant family does not already own a house or house site anywhere. There is no online facility for this scheme, and all applications are submitted offline at the department office.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Distribution of Free House Sites to Scheduled Caste/Other Economically Backward Classes |
| Scheme Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Puducherry |
| Category | Social Welfare and Empowerment, Housing and Shelter |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Family |
| Sub Category | Housing, Shelter |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Tags | Housing, House, Economically Backward Class, Scheduled Caste, EBC, SC |
Benefits
The main benefit of the scheme is a free house site for eligible Scheduled Caste and other economically backward class families. With a plot of land in their own name, families can build a pucca house and live with security and dignity.
According to the department, around 11,000 people have benefited from the scheme since its starting. The support is given in kind as land, so there is no cash payment or DBT transfer involved in this scheme.
Eligibility
To apply for a free house site, a person has to meet the conditions given below:
- Citizen of India: The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Resident of Puducherry: The applicant should be a native or a permanent resident of the union territory of Puducherry.
- Income limit: The total annual family income should not exceed ₹24,000. For example, if Ramesh, who comes under the EBC category, earns less than this amount in a year, he can apply.
- Age limit: The applicant should be at least 18 years old.
- Homeless status: The applicant should be currently homeless.
- No other house: No member of the family should own a house or a house site anywhere else.
- Construction plan: The applicant should have a genuine intention to construct a house on the site within 2 years of getting it.
Application Process
There is no online application for this scheme. Candidates have to follow the offline process given below:
STEP 1 - Visit the office or sub-office of the Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department during working hours and ask for the prescribed application form from the Director, Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Thattanchavady, Puducherry - 9. You can check the scheme details on the official Puducherry scheme page before visiting.
STEP 2 - Fill the application form carefully with all required details. Attach a recent passport-size photo and sign across it wherever it is asked.
STEP 3 - Attach self-attested copies of all the required documents listed below with the form.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application form with the documents to the concerned official at the department office.
STEP 5 - Take a receipt or acknowledgment from the officer. Make sure it shows the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number if one is given.
Documents
Applicants should keep these documents ready and attach self-attested copies with the application form:
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID or similar)
- Residence-cum-nativity certificate
- Income certificate showing the annual family income
- Caste certificate for the Scheduled Caste / EBC category
- Ration card for address proof
- Certificate from the Revenue Department confirming that the applicant or the family does not own a house or a house site
References
Official sources for this scheme are given below:
Scheme Page on Government of Puducherry Website
Adi Dravidar Welfare Department Page
FAQ's
Is the scheme still open for new applications?
Yes. As of August 2026, the scheme is listed on the official Puducherry government website and the department continues to accept applications for free house sites through its offices.
Is there an online application facility for this scheme?
No. This is an offline scheme. Applications have to be submitted at the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department office or its sub-offices in Puducherry.
Can a person with an annual income above ₹24,000 apply?
No. The total annual family income should not exceed ₹24,000 to qualify for the scheme.
What is the 2-year construction condition?
The applicant must intend to construct the house within 2 years of getting the site. This condition makes sure the house is built quickly once the land is allotted.
Which department gives the certificate of non-ownership of a house?
The Revenue Department issues the certificate confirming that the applicant or the family does not own any house or house site.
Do applicants have to pay any application fee?
No. There is no application fee mentioned in the scheme guidelines.
How many people have benefited so far?
Around 11,000 people have benefited from the scheme since its starting in 1981.
Are there specific provisions for persons with disabilities?
The current scheme guidelines do not mention any specific provision for persons with disabilities.
Is there any application deadline?
The scheme guidelines do not mention any opening or closing date for applications. Eligible people can apply through the department office.
Where can I get the official guidelines?
Download the official guidelines PDF from the References section above or visit the scheme page on the Government of Puducherry website.