The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is a noble government initiative that intends to provide ‘Housing for All’ by 2022. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), under PMAY, is a social welfare program that is curated to ensure that every citizen of the country enjoys respectable housing and quality living. Through PMAY-G, the government provides financial assistance to beneficiaries who do not have a ‘pucca’ home and help them construct one. The beneficiaries are identified using SECC 2011 data.
As per an official statement released on the developments of the PMAY-G scheme, 92% of the stipulated target of the first phase was achieved between 2016-2019. Due to this development, the government is further assured that all the houses included in the Permanent Wait List (PWL) will be completed towards the end of Amrut Mahtosava.
The SECC database of 2011 has aided in identifying the beneficiaries served on the existing Permanent Wait List (PWL). A total of 2.14 crore beneficiaries were found eligible for the program.
Initially, this list included 2.95 crore households; however, a multi-stage verification carried out at the time of the subsidy sanction revealed that many households were not eligible for the scheme. This led to the list being sized down to the current number of 2.14 crore beneficiaries.
Over time, this number is expected to drop further with the ongoing scrutiny. The database also suggests that, at present, 1.92 crores houses, that is 90% of the target has already been sanctioned, i.e. 1.36 crore of the sanctioned homes have been successfully completed.
Notably, the pace of growth through the PMAY scheme has considerably been accelerated since 2014-2015. Funding has also been widely provided through the Indira Awas Yojana scheme that has ensured the completion of 73 lakh houses.
Since 2014 and 2015, a total of 2.10 crore homes have been sanctioned under various rural housing schemes initiated by the government. The wide implementation under the PMAY-G scheme has considerably improved the pace of sanctions. It must also be noted that the quality of constructed homes has improved and the release of funds to beneficiaries has become quicker. Eligible profiles are evaluated through a stringent multi-stage verification process and beneficiaries now enjoy better technical support.
Inclusion of Eligible Households
As mentioned above, there has been an overall reduction in the number of beneficiaries included in the Permanent Wait List of PMAY-G. This drop in the number has brought in the opportunity to include more eligible candidates. The States and Union territories of the country have conducted a survey named “Awaas+”. This survey aids in identifying households that are eligible for the scheme but have not been included in the PMAY-G Permanent Wait List. The Ministry of Finance has considered the inclusion of the additional eligible households in the list. Results from the survey are being verified for eligibility and will be taken up soon.
Apart from the noble idea of ensuring quality homes for the beneficiaries, PMAY-G also envisions to further enhance the standard of living for these persons through convergence with other schemes. Several schemes such as Swachh Bharat Mission and PM Ujjwala Yojana have been launched over the years. While one works towards promoting hygienic living, the other provides LPG connections.
All these schemes come together to provide a better living opportunity for the beneficiaries. It is safe to say that the PMAY-G scheme has made significant progress since its launch and further developments can be expected. Visit Finserv MARKETS to stay updated on all progresses related to the PMAY-G scheme.
