Celebrating Awaas Diwas 2024: 8th Anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)

The Ministry of Rural Development commemorates Awaas Diwas 2024, marking the 8th anniversary of the flagship Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G). Launched on November 20, 2016, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, this scheme has been pivotal in fulfilling the vision of “Housing for All.” The anniversary highlights the achievements, innovations, and continued commitment to transforming rural housing in India.

The Vision of PMAY-G

PMAY-G underscores the government’s commitment to provide pucca houses with essential amenities to all houseless households and families living in kutcha or dilapidated homes. This mission reflects India’s larger goal of inclusive growth and rural development.

Key Objectives and Revised Targets

The scheme initially aimed to complete 2.95 crore houses by 2023-24. However, in light of evolving needs, the government extended its scope to construct an additional 2 crore houses by March 2029, bringing the total outlay to ₹3,06,137 crore. Key allocations include:

• ₹54,500 crore for FY 2024-25.
• Focus on improving rural infrastructure through convergence with schemes like MGNREGA, SBM-G, and the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Beneficiary Identification and Inclusivity

PMAY-G emphasizes transparency and inclusivity in identifying beneficiaries.

Surveys and Verification:

• Beneficiaries are identified through the SECC 2011 and Awaas+ (2018) surveys.
• Gram Sabhas verify the data to ensure fairness.

Expanded Criteria:

• Exclusion criteria reduced from 13 to 10, including the removal of conditions like ownership of fishing boats or two-wheelers.

Income threshold raised to ₹15,000 per month.Special Focus on Marginalized Communities:

• 60% of houses reserved for SC/ST households.
• 5% reserved for differently-abled beneficiaries and families affected by natural disasters.

Empowering Women and Landless Beneficiaries

Women Ownership

The scheme actively promotes women empowerment, with 74% of houses owned by women solely or jointly. The new goal is to achieve 100% ownership by women.

Landless Beneficiaries

Over 2.88 lakh houses have been constructed for landless families in the past decade, with land provided for housing.

Innovations and Technological Advancements

Awaas+ 2024 Mobile App

The use of technology ensures transparent beneficiary selection and facilitates Aadhaar-based face authentication. The app also integrates 3D house designs, enabling beneficiaries to choose culturally and environmentally suitable designs.

Skilled Employment and Disaster Resilience

• 3 lakh rural masons have been trained in disaster-resilient construction techniques, boosting their employability and contributing to safer housing structures.

Financial Assistance and Construction Features

Assistance Amount:

• ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas.
• ₹1.30 lakh in North-Eastern and Hill States.

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):

• Ensures timely payments directly to beneficiaries.
• Over 10 lakh beneficiaries received the first instalment via a single click by the Prime Minister in Bhubaneswar this year.

Convergence with Other Schemes

PMAY-G aligns with several other flagship schemes to ensure a holistic approach to rural development:

• MGNREGA: Employment for construction-related activities.
• SBM-G: Access to toilets.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Provision of water supply.
• Surya Ghar Yojana: Access to solar energy.

Focus on Tribal Development: DharatiAaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan

This initiative targets tribal communities across 63,843 villages, addressing housing and critical gaps in:

• Social Infrastructure.
• Health.
• Education.
• Livelihoods.

So far, over 5 crore tribal people have benefitted, with 72.31 lakh tribal families receiving support.

Achievements Over the Decade

Houses Completed:

• 59.58 lakh houses for SC households.
• 58.57 lakh houses for ST households.

Saturation of Permanent Waiting Lists:

• Both SECC 2011 and Awaas+ 2018 lists have been largely saturated.
• Housing sanctions for remaining eligible families will conclude by December 31, 2024.

Budgetary Allocations

The scheme has seen a steady rise in budget allocations:

• ₹3,06,137 crore allocated for the extension (2024-29).
• Special focus on FY 2024-25, with ₹54,500 crore set aside.

Promoting Social Equity and Building Resilience

PMAY-G is more than a housing scheme. It is a transformative movement aimed at:

• Empowering rural India.
• Promoting social equity.
• Supporting marginalized communities through sustainable and disaster-resilient construction.

By 2029, the scheme aspires to fulfill its mission of Housing for All, ensuring stronger, safer, and more inclusive rural communities.

Summary of Awaas Diwas 2024: 8th Anniversary of PMAY-G

Aspect	Details
Why in News	Ministry of Rural Development celebrates Awaas Diwas 2024, marking 8 years of PMAY-G.
Launched By	Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20, 2016 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Vision	Achieving “Housing for All” by providing pucca houses with basic amenities.
Initial Target	2.95 crore houses by 2023-24.
Revised Target	Additional 2 crore houses by March 2029, total 5 crore houses.
Budget	– ₹3,06,137 crore (FY 2024-29). – ₹54,500 crore for FY 2024-25.
Beneficiary Selection	– Based on SECC 2011 and Awaas+ 2018 surveys. – Verified by Gram Sabhas.
Expanded Criteria	– Exclusion criteria reduced from 13 to 10. – Income threshold raised to ₹15,000/month.
Special Focus Groups	– 60% houses for SC/ST. – 5% for differently-abled and disaster-affected families.
Women Empowerment	74% houses owned by women (solely/jointly), aiming for 100% ownership.
Assistance Amount	– ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas. – ₹1.30 lakh in North-East and Hill States.
Innovations	– Awaas+ 2024 App: Aadhaar-based face authentication, 3D house designs.
Employment Creation	3 lakh masons trained in disaster-resilient construction techniques.
Convergence with Schemes	MGNREGA, SBM-G, Jal Jeevan Mission, Surya Ghar Yojana.
Tribal Development	– DharatiAaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan: Benefits 5 crore tribal people.
Achievements (Decade)	– 59.58 lakh SC houses. – 58.57 lakh ST houses.
Transparency	Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures timely payments to beneficiaries.
Completion Target	Sanctions for eligible families by December 31, 2024.
Significance	Promotes social equity, sustainability, and resilience in rural communities.