PMAY-G: 8 Years of Transforming Rural Housing

Introduction

November 20, 2024, marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards inclusive rural development. The Ministry of Rural Development is celebrating the 8th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), a flagship scheme that has transformed millions of rural households by providing them with safe and affordable housing.

A Decade of Impact: The Vision Behind PMAY-G

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20, 2016, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, PMAY-G is part of India’s larger commitment to achieve “Housing for All.” The scheme’s primary goal is to provide pucca (permanent) houses with essential facilities to families living in kutcha (temporary) or dilapidated homes. This vision aligns with the nation’s efforts to drive inclusive growth and sustainable rural development.

Initially, PMAY-G aimed to complete 2.95 crore houses by the end of 2023-24. Recognizing the ongoing need, the government extended the scheme’s target to an additional 2 crore houses by March 2029. This revised scope highlights the evolving demands of rural India and the government’s responsiveness to them.

Key Objectives of PMAY-G

• Provide Quality Housing: Construct robust, disaster-resilient houses for rural communities.
• Enhance Livelihood Opportunities: Align housing construction with skill development initiatives like rural mason training.
• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure fair and transparent beneficiary selection processes.
• Support Sustainability: Integrate eco-friendly designs and construction techniques.

Achievements of PMAY-G: A Snapshot of Progress

Over the past eight years, PMAY-G has made remarkable strides in reshaping the rural housing landscape:

• Over 1.5 crore houses constructed under the scheme.
• 74% of these homes are owned by women, signifying a strong focus on empowering women and enhancing their social status.
• More than 2.88 lakh houses have been built for landless families, with the government allocating land specifically for housing needs.
• The scheme has seen extensive convergence with other flagship programs, such as MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), and the Jal Jeevan Mission, to ensure holistic development.

Transparent and Inclusive Beneficiary Selection

One of the standout features of PMAY-G is its commitment to transparency and inclusivity. Beneficiaries are selected based on data from the SECC 2011 (Socio-Economic and Caste Census) and the Awaas+ survey of 2018, with a focus on fairness and equity:

• Verification by Gram Sabhas ensures local oversight, preventing any misuse or oversight in the selection process.
• The criteria for exclusion have been simplified, reducing the barriers from 13 to 10 conditions. Notably, restrictions like ownership of fishing boats or two-wheelers have been removed.
• The income threshold for eligibility has been raised to ₹15,000 per month, reflecting the realities of rural income patterns.
• Priority is given to vulnerable groups, with 60% of homes reserved for SC/ST families and 5% for differently-abled individuals and those affected by natural disasters.

Empowering Women and Addressing Landlessness

Focus on Women Empowerment

The scheme places a strong emphasis on empowering women by encouraging female ownership of homes. As of 2024, 74% of houses are either solely or jointly owned by women, and the government is aiming for 100% ownership by women in future allocations. This focus not only provides security but also enhances the social and economic status of women in rural communities.

Support for Landless Beneficiaries

Providing housing for the landless has been another major success of PMAY-G. In the last decade, over 2.88 lakh houses have been built for families without land. In many cases, the government has allocated land to ensure that even the most marginalized citizens have a place to call home.

Technological Innovations in Rural Housing

Innovation has been at the heart of PMAY-G’s success. The launch of the Awaas+ 2024 Mobile App has revolutionized the way beneficiaries are selected and houses are constructed:

• Aadhaar-based face authentication ensures that only verified beneficiaries are enrolled.
• The app features 3D house design options, allowing recipients to choose structures that are culturally and environmentally suitable.
• It integrates feedback mechanisms to ensure that the housing provided meets local needs.

Employment Creation and Disaster Resilience

PMAY-G has also become a vehicle for rural employment, particularly through the training of rural masons:

• 3 lakh rural masons have been trained in disaster-resilient construction techniques, enhancing their skills and employability.
• These masons contribute to the construction of safer homes, capable of withstanding extreme weather events, thereby protecting lives and livelihoods.

Financial Assistance and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

To facilitate construction, the government provides financial assistance to beneficiaries:

• ₹1.20 lakh for houses in plain areas.
• ₹1.30 lakh for houses in North-Eastern and Hill States.
• All payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring that funds reach recipients without delay or interference. In 2024, over 10 lakh beneficiaries received the first installment of financial assistance through a single-click event led by the Prime Minister in Bhubaneswar.

Convergence with Other Rural Development Schemes

To ensure a comprehensive approach to rural development, PMAY-G has aligned with several key government programs:

• MGNREGA provides employment opportunities linked to construction activities.
• SBM-G facilitates access to toilets, promoting sanitation.
• Jal Jeevan Mission ensures water supply to newly constructed homes.
• Surya Ghar Yojana brings solar energy access to rural households, supporting green energy initiatives.

Special Initiatives for Tribal Communities

The scheme has also launched dedicated initiatives to address the housing needs of tribal communities. The DharatiAaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan focuses on improving living conditions in over 63,000 tribal villages. This initiative goes beyond housing to enhance:

• Social Infrastructure like community centers and health facilities.
• Educational Access by supporting school construction and educational outreach.
• Livelihood Support through skill development and agricultural assistance.

The Road Ahead: A Commitment to “Housing for All”

As we celebrate Awaas Diwas 2024, the achievements of PMAY-G stand as a testament to India’s dedication to rural upliftment and social equity. By 2029, the scheme aims to reach its ambitious target of constructing a total of 5 crore houses, completing the mission of “Housing for All.”

PMAY-G continues to evolve, incorporating the latest technologies, innovative designs, and a deeper focus on social justice. It is not just a housing scheme; it is a transformative movement that promises stronger, safer, and more resilient rural communities.

Conclusion:

The success of PMAY-G over the last eight years underscores a commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Awaas Diwas 2024 is not just a celebration of achievements but a reminder of the ongoing work to build a better rural India, one house at a time.

FAQS

Q1: What is Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)?
Ans: PMAY-G is a government initiative aimed at providing pucca (permanent) houses with essential facilities to rural families living in kutcha (temporary) or dilapidated homes. The scheme is part of the Indian government’s goal to achieve “Housing for All.”

Q2: When was PMAY-G launched, and by whom?
Ans: PMAY-G was launched on November 20, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Q3: What are the primary objectives of PMAY-G?
Ans: The main objectives of PMAY-G include:
Providing quality housing for rural households. Promoting women empowerment through home ownership.Enhancing disaster resilience in rural housing. Ensuring transparency and inclusivity in beneficiary selection. Supporting sustainable and inclusive rural development.

Q4: How are beneficiaries selected for PMAY-G?
Ans: Beneficiaries are selected based on data from the SECC 2011 (Socio-Economic and Caste Census) and the Awaas+ 2018 survey. The data is verified by Gram Sabhas to ensure transparency and fairness.