Owning a home in Bengaluru has become difficult for many low-income families due to rising construction and land costs. To support economically weaker residents, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has introduced the Onti Mane Scheme, which offers financial assistance of up to ₹4.5 lakh for eligible families to construct their own houses.
The scheme mainly targets families who already own a plot of land but lack the funds needed to build a house. Authorities have now accelerated the implementation process, and selected beneficiaries will soon receive work orders and financial support.
The Onti Mane Scheme is a housing assistance programme launched by the Greater Bengaluru Authority to help low-income residents construct independent houses.
In Kannada, the term “Onti Mane” means a standalone house. The scheme provides direct financial aid of up to ₹4.5 lakh to eligible beneficiaries.
Unlike housing loans, the money given under this programme is a government subsidy, which means beneficiaries do not have to repay the amount.
The initiative mainly focuses on supporting families from socially and economically weaker communities who have land but cannot afford construction costs.
Officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority have recently issued new instructions to speed up the implementation of the programme.
Key updates include:
Work orders will be issued immediately to beneficiaries who have already been selected
Funds for construction will be released before the end of the current month
Construction activities are expected to start soon after fund release
Officials have been instructed to finalize the list of beneficiaries across all GBA welfare programmes
This indicates that the scheme has moved from the planning stage to active execution.
The programme is intended for low-income residents living within Bengaluru city limits. The major beneficiary groups include:
Families belonging to SC and ST communities
Residents from OBC and minority communities
Below Poverty Line (BPL) households
Single women and civic workers who do not have permanent housing
Applicants must own a plot of land within the jurisdiction of the authority to qualify.
Maximum subsidy: ₹4.5 lakh per beneficiary
Scheme type: Government financial assistance (not a loan)
Implementing authority: Greater Bengaluru Authority
Coverage: Areas under the five city corporations governed by GBA
Target beneficiaries: SC, ST, OBC, minority, and BPL families
Main requirement: Ownership of a residential plot
Applicants must meet the following conditions to apply:
Must be a resident of Bengaluru within GBA limits
Must own a registered residential plot
Must belong to SC, ST, OBC, minority, or BPL category
Should not already own a permanent house
Household income must fall within the economically weaker section limits
Families who have already received housing assistance through other government schemes may not be eligible.
Current stage: Beneficiary lists are being finalized
Work orders: Being issued to approved applicants
Fund release: Expected before the end of the month
Construction: To begin soon after funds are credited
Eligible residents can apply by following these steps:
Visit the nearest GBA ward office or the local city corporation office.
Collect the Onti Mane Scheme application form.
Fill in the required details carefully.
Attach the necessary supporting documents.
Submit the form at the ward office and obtain an acknowledgment receipt.
Officials will verify the land and applicant details.
Once approved, a work order will be issued and funds will be released in stages.
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
Aadhaar card
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Income certificate
BPL ration card (if applicable)
Registered land ownership documents or khata
Bank passbook linked to Aadhaar
Passport-size photographs
Address proof such as voter ID or utility bill
Apart from the housing programme, the Greater Bengaluru Authority is also implementing several welfare schemes, including:
Distribution of over 3,000 electric vending vehicles such as fruit carts, vegetable carts, and food carts
Subsidized electric two-wheelers for civic workers and working women
Skill development training programmes for residents
Electric wheelchairs for persons with disabilities
Student fee reimbursement programmes
Authorities have also announced the distribution of QR code-based identity cards to street vendors across the city.
A survey identified 27,585 street vendors operating in areas under the authority’s jurisdiction. The new ID cards will contain basic details on the front, while the QR code will store complete digital information.
All cards will follow a uniform format across the five city corporations, and distribution is expected to be completed by the end of March.
The Onti Mane Scheme offers a major opportunity for low-income families in Bengaluru who own land but cannot afford to build a house. With financial support of up to ₹4.5 lakh and the government pushing for quick implementation, many families may soon be able to construct their own homes.
Eligible residents are encouraged to visit their nearest ward office, confirm their eligibility, and apply for the scheme as soon as possible.
What is the Onti Mane Scheme?
It is a housing assistance programme launched by the Greater Bengaluru Authority that provides financial aid of up to ₹4.5 lakh for constructing a house on a personal plot.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Residents of Bengaluru belonging to SC, ST, OBC, minority, or BPL categories who own a residential plot may apply.
Is the assistance a loan?
No. The amount provided under the scheme is a government subsidy, so it does not need to be repaid.
When will funds be released?
Authorities have directed that funds be released to approved beneficiaries before the end of the current month.
Where can people apply?
Applications can be submitted at the local GBA ward office or city corporation office.