India, Aug. 10 -- The Chhattisgarh government has begun constructing nearly 3,000 homes under a special Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme for families affected by Naxal violence, including surrendered extremists who do not qualify under regular eligibility rules, said an officer overseeing the project.

Of the 5,000 identified beneficiaries, 3,000 have already been approved for housing.

Of the approved beneficiaries the first instalment has been released to 2,111 families while 128 have received their second installment.

In Sukma, Sodi Hungi, whose husband was killed by Naxals in 2005 moved into her first permanent home in July, while in Kanker, Dashri Bai, widowed in a Maoist attack during state elections, finished building her ...