LUCKNOW, June 18 -- Uttar Pradesh's Mukhya Mantri Housing Scheme (Rural) has improved the lives of nearly 5.87 lakh homeless rural families by providing permanent houses and enhancing security, dignity and social status, according to a government evaluation survey. The survey conducted by the state's Evaluation Division for 2019-20 to 2023-24 found that 99.59% of beneficiaries reported a positive change after receiving houses under the scheme. Out of 1,464 families surveyed, 1,457 reported improvement in overall quality of life. Launched in 2018, the scheme has provided houses to homeless rural families across the state, including around 1.30 lakh persons with disabilities and more than 72,000 destitute women. According to the survey, 84% of beneficiaries said permanent housing protected them from extreme weather conditions such as rain, cold and heat, while 77% reported better living standards. About 71% said owning a house improved their social standing and brought respect within their communities. The study also noted gains in personal safety, with 68% of respondents saying they no longer faced threats from snakes, scorpions and other wild creatures common in temporary shelters and huts. Additionally, 27% of families reported improvements in children's education, family health and household management after housing-related concerns were addressed. Officials said the scheme has benefited vulnerable groups including Vantangiya, Musahar, Kol, Tharu and Chero communities, as well as families affected by leprosy, kala-azar and Japanese encephalitis. htc...