Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G): Guide to the Extended Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) has been a game-changer in addressing housing deprivation in rural India. The scheme, aimed at providing affordable housing for the rural poor, is driven by a thorough and transparent beneficiary identification process, based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC)-2011 data, exclusion criteria, and a detailed verification process.

Extension of PMAY-G for 5 More Years

In a significant move, the Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the PMAY-G scheme for another 5 years, spanning from FY 2024-25 to 2028-29. This extension will focus on providing support for the construction of an additional 2 crore rural houses, helping more families across India achieve the dream of a pucca home.

A major feature of the extension is the updating of the Awaas+ List using modified exclusion criteria. This ensures that only eligible beneficiaries receive the support, and the process remains transparent and efficient.

The Technology-Driven Awaas+ 2024 App

To ensure seamless implementation and enhance transparency, the government has introduced the Awaas+ 2024 app. This app is designed to revolutionize the beneficiary identification and housing construction process. Key features of the app include:

• Assisted Survey: Surveyors, pre-registered with the app, can conduct assisted surveys, ensuring accurate data collection.
• Housing Technology Selection: Beneficiaries can select appropriate housing technology suited to their region’s needs.
• Face Authentication & Aadhaar-based e-KYC: The app integrates advanced features like AI-powered face authentication for beneficiary verification.
• Geo-tagging and Time-stamped Data Capture: Photos of existing houses and proposed construction sites are geo-tagged and time-stamped, ensuring credibility.
• Offline and Online Mode: The app operates in both offline and online modes, making it accessible in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.

The app also offers a Self-Survey facility for eligible households, allowing them to contribute directly to the process, making it more participatory.

Direct Financial Assistance with 100% Aadhaar-Based Payments

One of the key highlights of PMAY-G is its 100% Aadhaar-based payment system, which ensures that financial assistance reaches beneficiaries directly. This eliminates middlemen, minimizes delays, and ensures transparency in the disbursal process.

Financial Assistance and Support for Construction

The financial support provided under PMAY-G is generous, with the Union Cabinet approving the unit assistance of:

• ₹1.20 lakh for beneficiaries in plain areas.
• ₹1.30 lakh for beneficiaries in North Eastern and Hilly States (including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh).

For states in the North Eastern Region (NER) and Himalayan states (like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir), the funding pattern is 90:10 (Centre: State). For other states, it is 60:40, and Union Territories without a legislature bear 100% of the cost.

In addition to the unit assistance, beneficiaries also receive:

• 90/95 man-days of unskilled labour wages through mandatory convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
• ₹12,000 for the construction of toilets, which is provided through the Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G), MGNREGS, or other dedicated funding sources.

Conclusion

PMAY-G is a holistic scheme that not only focuses on providing rural families with a roof over their heads but also ensures that the process is transparent, efficient, and inclusive. With the extension of the scheme, the government’s commitment to improving rural housing in India has never been stronger.

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