Building a Better Future for Rural India
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Rural is in full progress
In a major relief to beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the Government of Odisha has Monday announced that financial assistance under the scheme will be enhanced from the existing Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 1.8 lakh per housing unit.
It seems the new BJP government in the state wants to strengthen and implement Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission to ensure that no Indian remains homeless.
It may be noted that in May 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and the government’s steadfast commitment to building and providing pucca houses for poor people in rural and urban areas culminated in the launch of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana—Urban (2015) and Gramin (2016). In this piece, we are going to highlight the rulra component of the scheme.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Rural
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Rural (PMAY – Rural) was launched in 2016, aiming to provide housing for the poorest segments of society. Beneficiaries are selected through a rigorous three-stage validation process that includes the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011, Gram Sabha approvals, and geo-tagging. This ensures that aid reaches the most deserving individuals. The scheme has further incorporated the use of IT and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for efficient fund disbursement, the implementation of region-specific housing designs, and evidence-based monitoring through geo-tagged photos at various construction stages.
Main activities/functions of the scheme
• Formulation of policy guidelines,
• Release of funds under PMAYG
Key Features of PMAY-G
• Increase in minimum unit (house) size from 20 sq. mt. to 25 sq. mt., including a dedicated area for hygienic cooking.
•. The beneficiaries construct quality houses using local materials and trained masons.
• The beneficiary also has a wide selection of structurally sound, aesthetically, culturally, and environmentally appropriate house designs available rather than standard cement concrete house designs.
Progress under PMAY-G
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), the Government has set an ambitious target to build 2.95 crore houses. As of August 10, 2024, 2.94 crore houses have been sanctioned, and 2.64 crore houses have been completed, significantly improving the living conditions of millions of rural families.
Further, on August 9, 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of financial assistance to be provided for the construction of two crore more houses at existing unit assistance of Rs.1.20 lakh in plain areas and Rs.1.30 lakh in North Eastern Region States and Hill States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. These two crore houses will be constructed under the PMAY-G in the next five years from FY 2024-2029 to address housing needs that have arisen over the years. The construction of houses for two crores more households is expected to benefit nearly ten crore individuals. The approval would facilitate the building of safe and secure houses of good quality with all the basic amenities for all people without housing and people living in dilapidated and kutcha houses. This will ensure the safety, hygiene and social inclusiveness of the beneficiaries.
In conclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) has made remarkable progress in transforming the living conditions of millions of rural families by providing safe and secure housing. With the recent approval for constructing two crore additional houses, the Government continues to reinforce its commitment to achieving “Housing for All,” ensuring that every eligible household has access to quality housing and a dignified life.
