On November 20, 2024, India celebrates Awaas Diwas, marking the 8th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016, PMAY-G is a flagship initiative aimed at providing affordable, durable, and disaster-resilient housing to rural India. Over the years, this scheme has undergone transformative changes, improving the lives of millions and advancing the goal of Housing for All by 2029.
PMAY-G’s Expanded Scope for 2024-29
The government’s commitment to expanding rural housing has seen PMAY-G’s scope grow significantly. For the FY 2024-29, the program has been extended with an additional 2 crore houses, bringing the total housing target to over 2.95 crore homes. This ambitious extension comes with a budgetary outlay of ₹3.06 lakh crore, marking a substantial investment in rural infrastructure.
In 2024-25, the scheme received a dedicated ₹54,500 crore to ensure swift implementation. As the scheme progresses, more rural households are set to benefit from this initiative, particularly in areas previously lacking adequate housing.
Key Features of PMAY-G: Empowering Rural India
PMAY-G focuses on providing pucca houses (permanent homes) equipped with essential amenities, such as sanitation facilities and a hygienic cooking space. Each house has a minimum area of 25 square meters, with financial support ranging from ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas to ₹1.30 lakh in hilly regions.
The scheme has been significantly streamlined, with exclusion criteria reduced from 13 to 10. This includes removing conditions related to the ownership of fishing boats or motorized two-wheelers and raising the income ceiling to ₹15,000 per month, ensuring that more households are eligible for assistance.
Women Empowerment and Inclusivity: A Focus of PMAY-G
One of the standout features of PMAY-G is its strong emphasis on women’s empowerment. A remarkable 74% of the houses under the scheme are either solely or jointly owned by women. The government aims for 100% women ownership, recognizing the role women play in managing family homes.
This initiative is also aligned with broader government policies that prioritize social equity and the inclusion of marginalized groups. Special provisions are made for SC/ST households, with 60% of the housing target dedicated to these communities. To date, 59.58 lakh SC houses and 58.57 lakh ST houses have been completed, providing much-needed shelter to some of India’s most vulnerable groups.
Technological Innovations Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency
To further enhance the scheme’s impact, Awaas+ 2024, a mobile app, has been introduced. This app simplifies the identification of beneficiaries using Aadhaar-based face authentication, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process. Beneficiaries can also explore 3D house designs, developed in collaboration with the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), enabling them to choose the layout that best suits their needs.
Skill Development and Employment Opportunities
The PMAY-G initiative has also prioritized skills development for rural communities. Over the years, nearly 3 lakh rural masons have been trained in disaster-resilient construction, improving their employability and equipping them with skills that benefit both the local economy and the housing sector.
Additionally, the scheme works in synergy with various other government initiatives like MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), and Jal Jeevan Mission, ensuring that rural beneficiaries receive access to clean water, electricity, LPG, and sanitation facilities.
Converging with Other Schemes to Build a Comprehensive Ecosystem
PMAY-G’s impact extends beyond housing. The scheme works in convergence with programs such as Jal Jeevan Mission and Surya Ghar, ensuring rural beneficiaries receive comprehensive support, including water supply, toilets, and solar energy systems. This approach guarantees that each house built under the scheme is not just a shelter but a full-fledged home with all necessary amenities.
Moreover, landless beneficiaries have also been a focus, with 2.88 lakh houses and land provided in the past decade, making sure that the most disadvantaged segments of society are not left behind.
Tribal Development: A Special Focus
The government’s commitment to tribal development is evident in the DharatiAaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan, which focuses on tribal welfare and housing. This initiative covers 63,843 villages across 30 states and Union Territories, benefiting over 5 crore tribal people. It addresses housing needs while improving critical infrastructure in the fields of health, education, and livelihoods.
Conclusion: Transforming Rural India
PMAY-G is not just about providing homes; it is about empowering rural India by building resilient communities. With a special focus on women, marginalized groups, and the development of rural employment, this initiative is transforming lives and making Housing for All a reality. As the scheme progresses towards its 2029 goal, PMAY-G continues to be a cornerstone of India’s rural development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a better future.
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