On 3rd April 2025, the State Committee of the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL) in Jharkhand conducted a field visit to Mahatma Gandhi Cast Colony in Baljoria, Dhanbad and Prem Nagar Leprosy Colony in Saharpura, Sindri. The visit was led by Representative Madhusudan Tiwari, with the core objective of understanding the ground-level issues being faced by the leprosy-affected residents and evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing government welfare schemes.

A significant focus during the visit was placed on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), a central housing scheme aimed at ensuring “Housing for All”. The APAL team interacted with residents, listened to their concerns, and assessed the housing conditions of the families living in these colonies. Based on these interactions and site inspections, a preliminary list of eligible families is being compiled.

This list will be submitted to the relevant government authorities, ensuring that the identified families are included in the PMAY beneficiary list and can avail permanent housing. APAL’s initiative reflects its continued commitment to uplifting the lives of people affected by leprosy, advocating for their rights, and ensuring access to basic needs like safe and dignified housing. This visit marks another important step in bridging the gap between marginalized communities and government support systems.