Supporting Land Security for Low-Income Families in Tamil Nadu
On 11th February 2026 in Chennai, Habitat for Humanity India convened leading civil society organisations along with representatives from the Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, for a state-level consultation on land security and land titles.
The dialogue brought together participants from Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Vellore and Trichy to share insights, strengthen coordination and explore actionable pathways to support families in accessing secure land tenure.
Access to land titles plays a critical role in enabling families to build safe, permanent and dignified homes. Strengthening land security is particularly important for low-income families, including Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs), as it lays the foundation for long-term stability and development.
The consultation was strengthened by the participation and encouragement of S. Annadurai, Director, Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, who emphasised the importance of coordinated and integrated efforts to support holistic development among tribal communities.
This convening marks an important step towards strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration at the district level, with a shared goal of enabling at least 1,000 families to move towards secure land ownership over the next two years.
Enabling Affordable Housing Through CSR Partnerships and Dialogue
Habitat for Humanity India convened sector leaders, practitioners and experts at the Affordable Housing and CSR Policy Dialogue on 19th February 2026 to explore how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can further strengthen access to decent shelter.
Hosted at the India Habitat Centre, the dialogue focused on advancing housing solutions through stronger collaboration, knowledge sharing and alignment of resources across sectors.
The convening brought together civil society organisations, research institutions, CSR leaders and sector experts fostering discussions on how partnerships can support and complement national housing priorities.
Key areas of focus included:
- Strengthening convergence between CSR investments and government housing initiatives, particularly Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme), in support of the Government of India’s Housing for All vision
- Reinforcing housing as a key driver of health, education and economic well-being
- Encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration for greater and sustained impact
“Families from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) supported through homeowner-led construction show stronger ownership and stability.” — Jayesh Shah, Independent Director, Svatantra Microfinance
“CSR could unlock barriers in EWS housing segment by focusing on non-financing aspects of the housing life cycle. We need to study and amplify successful models of multi-partnership approaches in EWS housing.” — Ms. Parul Agarwal, Independent Consultant
“It is time to consider exploring and prioritising aspirational districts for development interventions through CSR funding.” — Mr. Sagat Shaunik, Associate Director, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP
“It is crucial to work with acting bodies who are engaged in the housing value chain for the EWS and strengthen their capacities. Access to finance for them is critical as well.” — Mr. Sachin Kumar, Director, Samavit Vikas Pvt. Ltd.
Advancing Housing Conversations at the National CSR Summit 2026
Habitat for Humanity India was the collaborative partner for the National CSR Summit 2026 held at the Indian International Centre, Delhi on 16th March 2026. Organised by AROH Foundation, the summit brought together key stakeholders from government, corporates and the development sector to strengthen India’s CSR ecosystem and accelerate last-mile impact.
The inaugural session featured an esteemed lineup of leaders, including Honourable Chief Guest, Mr. Lumba Ram Chaudhary, Member of Lok Sabha; Ms. Shallu Jindal, Chairperson, Jindal Foundation; Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, IAS (Retd.) and former Secretary to the Government of India; and Mr. Arjan de Wagt, Deputy Representative, UNICEF India. Their perspectives highlighted the importance of partnerships, policy alignment and community-centric approaches in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.
Representing Habitat India, Mr. Anand K. Bolimera, National Director, Habitat for Humanity India, participated as a panellist, emphasising the importance of safe and adequate housing in strengthening dignity, resilience and long-term socio-economic progress. He highlighted how Habitat India’s work complements national efforts such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), contributing to the Government of India’s vision of Housing for All by reaching underserved families.
Through its participation, Habitat for Humanity India reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside government bodies, corporates and civil society to build resilient communities through decent shelter. The summit reflected a shared vision of leveraging partnerships, innovation and collective action to ensure that families have access to affordable, adequate and secure housing as part of India’s growth journey.
