On October 5, 2024, Mr. Madhusudan Tiwari, representing the APAL’s State Committee in Jharkhand, and his team from the Association of People Affected by Leprosy (APAL), formally applied to the Deputy Commissioner of Dhanbad district under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme. This initiative is aimed at providing permanent housing for 627 families residing across 16 leprosy colonies within the district. The PMAY scheme, a flagship program of the Indian government, is dedicated to offering affordable and safe housing for underprivileged citizens. Through this application, APAL seeks to ensure that these families, many of whom have faced social stigma and economic challenges due to their conditions, can access secure and dignified living conditions, a fundamental need and a long-overdue right.

The application underscores the urgent need for permanent housing for these communities, which have often been marginalized and lack adequate access to basic amenities. By facilitating this process, Mr. Tiwari and APAL aim to uplift the affected families, offering them a stable foundation that fosters self-reliance and a sense of belonging within society. It is anticipated that the Deputy Commissioner will respond positively, recognizing the importance of inclusive development. If successful, this endeavour will not only enhance the living standards of these families but also reaffirm their rightful place in society, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social equity and housing for all.