Ahmedabad: Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) plans to roll out a housing support initiative, offering financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh to Rs 8 lakh to nearly 10,000 needy Jain families across India over the next seven years. The programme, aimed at families below specified annual income thresholds, will provide either direct cash support or an interest subsidy to make home ownership possible for families currently living in rented accommodation.The scheme, conceived a few years ago, is now being readied for a larger launch from Ahmedabad, where JITO had earlier piloted a similar effort.Himanshu Shah, president of JITO Apex, said the movement began in 2019 with the handover of 36 apartments to needy Jain families in Ahmedabad. “For a Rs 18 lakh flat, Rs 3 lakh came from JITO, Rs 2.7 lakh from PM Awas Yojana and Rs 1.5 lakh was paid by the beneficiary. The balance was covered through a loan, and the EMI was less than the rent. The expense effectively turned into an investment, which improved their financial position,” Shah said.According to Shah, JITO has so far supported around 1,500 flats for families in multiple cities. “Now we want to move faster because there are a large number of needy families in the Jain community. In the next seven years, we plan to provide around 10,000 homes across the country to such families,” he said.JITO will invite applications, and selection will be conducted through a lucky draw process. “We are finalising the new scheme, and it will be started within three months,” Shah said.Eligibility conditions under consideration include families living in rented homes for at least three years, falling below set income limits, and meeting affordability norms linking EMI to household income. Priority is expected for widows, physically challenged applicants, and families living with parents.Sanjay Dangi, chairman of JITO Apex, said the scheme will also set home-cost boundaries. “We will set lower and upper limits based on square feet and pricing. We believe this initiative will improve the quality of life of families and they will be in a better financial position,” Dangi said. The homes are expected to be priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 35 lakh, with funding supported by donations from JITO members.
