New Delhi: The city of Bengaluru witnessed a massive influx of eager applicants as the registration process for the highly anticipated Gruha Lakshmi housing scheme commenced. The initiative, aimed at providing affordable housing solutions for low and middle-income families, has generated significant interest among residents of the city. From the crack of dawn, hundreds of hopeful home-seekers queued up at various Bangalore One centres, designated as the registration points for the scheme. Gruha Lakshmi, a flagship housing project launched by the Karnataka government, aims to address the pressing issue of affordable housing in the fast-growing metropolis of Bengaluru. With the city witnessing a rapid population influx over the past few years, the demand for affordable and decent housing has surged exponentially. The scheme seeks to provide a solution to this problem by offering subsidized housing units to eligible beneficiaries. Also read:Outrage in Maharashtra: Leader Fadnavis Vows Action Against Those Defaming Savitribai Phule! As the registration process kicked off, long queues formed outside Bangalore One centres across the city. Applicants, armed with necessary documents and eager aspirations of owning a home, patiently waited for their turn to register for the scheme. The crowd included people from various walks of life, representing the diverse socio-economic fabric of Bengaluru. Speaking to some of the applicants, it became apparent that the Gruha Lakshmi scheme holds immense promise for those struggling to find suitable housing within their financial means. Many expressed their gratitude to the state government for launching such a welfare-oriented project that could potentially make their dream of owning a home a reality. One applicant, Ramesh Kumar, a daily wage laborer, said with a glimmer of hope, "I have been living in rented accommodation for over a decade. Owning a house seemed like a distant dream due to the high property prices. But now, with the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, there is a ray of hope for people like me to have a place to call our own." Also read:Centre to introduce IIM-Amendment Bill in LS today Another applicant, Radhika Sharma, a schoolteacher and single mother, stated, "As a single-income household, buying a house in Bengaluru seemed like an unattainable goal. However, with the affordable options offered by Gruha Lakshmi, I am hopeful that my daughter and I can finally have a permanent and secure home." The Gruha Lakshmi scheme offers a variety of housing options, catering to different income groups. Eligible beneficiaries can avail themselves of interest subsidies and other financial benefits, making the prospect of homeownership more feasible for them. Officials at the Bangalore One centres were well-prepared to handle the large influx of applicants. Special arrangements were made to maintain social distancing and ensure a smooth registration process. Authorities urged applicants to follow COVID-19 safety protocols to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone involved. Also read:India Launches International Big Cat Alliance for Conservation Mr. Suresh Kumar, Minister of Urban Development and the brain behind the Gruha Lakshmi initiative, expressed his satisfaction with the overwhelming response from the public. He stated, "Gruha Lakshmi is a step towards fulfilling the aspirations of thousands of families who have longed for a home of their own. The massive turnout on the first day of registrations reflects the dire need for affordable housing in Bengaluru. Our government is committed to ensuring that every eligible applicant gets a fair chance to avail themselves of this opportunity." The registration process for Gruha Lakshmi is expected to continue for a stipulated period, during which more applicants will have the opportunity to apply for the scheme. After the registration phase is complete, the applications will undergo verification, and eligible beneficiaries will be selected through a transparent and unbiased process. As the sun set on the first day of registrations, the excitement and optimism among the applicants were palpable. For many, Gruha Lakshmi represents more than just a housing scheme; it signifies a new chapter of stability and hope in their lives. As the project progresses, it holds the potential to bring about a transformative change in the lives of countless families and redefine the way affordable housing is perceived in Bengaluru.