Cabinet Approves Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) for 2024-2029

ByDhruv Sharma

The Union Cabinet of India, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation and implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) from the fiscal year 2024-25 to 2028-29. This decision aims to provide substantial financial assistance for constructing two crore additional houses, with the assistance of Rs. 1.20 lakh for houses in plain areas and Rs. 1.30 lakh in the North Eastern Region and Hill States. This scheme aims to address the housing needs of rural India, ensuring that every eligible household has access to a pucca (permanent) house with basic amenities.

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Details of the PMAY-G Implementation Plan

The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) is an ambitious initiative that seeks to provide housing for all in rural areas. The details of the Cabinet’s approval are outlined below:

1. Continuation of PMAY-G

  • Target Population: The scheme aims to saturate the Awaas+ (2018) list and the remaining eligible households in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 Permanent Wait List (PWL).
  • Objective: To provide financial assistance to construct a total of two crore pucca houses with basic amenities from April 2024 to March 2029.

2. Financial Outlay

  • Total Budget: The project has a total financial outlay of Rs. 3,06,137 crore over five years.
    • Central Share: Rs. 2,05,856 crore.
    • State Matching Share: Rs. 1,00,281 crore.

3. Evaluation and Continuation

  • The continuation of the scheme beyond March 2026 is subject to an evaluation by the NITI Aayog and a re-appraisal by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC).

4. Updated Beneficiary Identification

  • The Awaas+ list will be updated to identify eligible rural households using modified exclusion criteria, ensuring that all eligible families are included.

5. Unit Cost of Assistance

  • The unit cost of assistance for beneficiaries remains at Rs. 1.20 lakh in plain areas and Rs. 1.30 lakh in North Eastern and Hill States.

6. Administrative Funds

  • Administrative expenses are set at 2% of the program funds, with 1.70% allocated to States/UTs and 0.30% retained at the Central level.

7. Completion of Incomplete Houses

  • Incomplete houses from the previous phase of PMAY-G as of March 31, 2024, will be completed during the fiscal year 2024-25 at existing rates.

Benefits of the PMAY-G Implementation

The implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) aims to bring significant benefits to rural India:

  • Completion of Pending Houses: Approximately 35 lakh houses, which were incomplete as of March 31, 2024, will be completed, achieving the cumulative target of 2.95 crore houses from the previous phase.
  • New Housing Construction: The construction of two crore additional houses over the next five years will cater to the housing needs that have arisen over the years, benefitting nearly 10 crore individuals.
  • Improved Living Conditions: This initiative will allow houseless individuals and those living in dilapidated or kutcha (temporary) houses to build secure, high-quality homes with essential amenities, ensuring safety, hygiene, and social inclusiveness.

Background of PMAY-G

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) was launched in April 2016 with the objective of providing “Housing for All” in rural areas. The original target was to construct 2.95 crore houses with basic amenities by March 2024. This new phase continues the government’s commitment to addressing rural housing shortages and improving living standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the primary goal of PMAY-G?

The primary goal of PMAY-G is to provide housing for all eligible rural households by constructing pucca houses with basic amenities, thereby improving living conditions in rural India.

2. How will beneficiaries be identified under the new phase of PMAY-G?

Beneficiaries will be identified using an updated Awaas+ list, which will apply modified exclusion criteria to ensure all eligible households are included.

3. What is the financial assistance provided to beneficiaries?

Beneficiaries in plain areas receive Rs. 1.20 lakh per house, while those in the North Eastern and Hill States receive Rs. 1.30 lakh per house.

4. How will the scheme be funded?

The scheme will be funded through a combination of Central and State contributions, with a total outlay of Rs. 3,06,137 crore over five years.

5. What measures are in place to ensure the scheme’s effectiveness?

The scheme’s continuation beyond March 2026 is contingent on evaluations by the NITI Aayog and re-appraisals by the Expenditure Finance Committee, ensuring accountability and effectiveness.

Conclusion

The continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) marks a significant step towards achieving “Housing for All” in rural India. With a robust financial outlay and strategic implementation plan, the scheme aims to address housing needs, improve living conditions, and promote social inclusiveness for millions of rural families. By completing pending projects and initiating new constructions, PMAY-G is set to transform the rural housing landscape, providing secure and quality homes for the needy.