Finance Kerala Hba
Kerala House Building Advance (HBA) is a financial assistance scheme provided by the Government of Kerala to its employees for constructing or purchasing a house. It's a significant benefit aimed at facilitating home ownership and improving the living standards of state government employees. The scheme operates under specific rules and regulations outlined by the Finance Department of Kerala.
Eligibility: Generally, permanent employees of the Kerala government, including teachers and employees of aided educational institutions (subject to certain conditions), are eligible to apply for HBA. The applicant must have a satisfactory service record and meet specific criteria related to salary, existing liabilities, and the availability of land/house.
Purpose: The HBA can be availed for various purposes related to housing, including:
- Construction of a new house on a plot owned by the employee or their spouse.
- Purchase of a ready-built house or flat.
- Extension or renovation of an existing house.
- Redemption of mortgage on an existing house (subject to certain limitations).
Loan Amount: The maximum amount of HBA admissible is typically determined based on the employee's basic pay and repayment capacity. The rules specify ceilings on the loan amount, which are periodically revised by the government. The actual amount sanctioned depends on factors such as the cost of construction/purchase, the applicant's repayment capacity, and the value of the property.
Interest Rate and Repayment: The HBA is offered at a concessional interest rate, which is significantly lower than prevailing market rates. This is a key advantage of the scheme. The repayment period is generally spread over a number of years, with equated monthly installments (EMIs) deducted from the employee's salary. The specific repayment terms are clearly defined in the sanction order.
Application Process: The application process usually involves submitting a detailed proposal along with supporting documents to the relevant authority, typically the head of the department or a designated officer. The proposal includes details of the land/house, estimated cost of construction/purchase, and necessary approvals. The application is then scrutinized, and a decision is made based on the eligibility criteria and availability of funds.
Security: The loan is secured by mortgaging the property to the government. Legal formalities, including registration of the mortgage deed, are required to perfect the security. The government retains a charge on the property until the loan is fully repaid.
Benefits: The Kerala HBA scheme provides significant financial relief to state government employees aspiring to own a house. The concessional interest rate, long repayment period, and availability of funds make it an attractive option compared to taking loans from commercial banks. The scheme contributes to improved housing conditions and enhanced financial security for government employees.
Important Note: The rules and regulations governing the Kerala HBA scheme are subject to change from time to time. It is essential for prospective applicants to refer to the latest government orders and guidelines issued by the Finance Department to ensure compliance and avoid any discrepancies during the application process.