Housing for All: PMAY-G

The Union Cabinet has extended the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) till FY 2028–29 with an additional target of constructing 2 crore houses, raising the cumulative target to 4.95 crore.

PMAY-G: A Transformative Rural Housing Scheme

Introduction

• Housing is a fundamental human requirement and a crucial element of poverty alleviation.
• Launched on 1st April 2016, PMAY-G aims to provide "Housing for All" in rural areas through pucca houses with basic amenities.

Key Features of PMAY-G

• Minimum unit size: 25 sq. m, with hygienic cooking space.
• Design flexibility: Localized, disaster-resilient designs.
• Quality construction: Use of trained masons and local materials.

Scheme Targets and Achievements

• Initial target (2016–24):95 crore houses.
• Extension (2024–29): Additional 2 crore houses, cumulative 4.95 crore.
• Progress (Aug 2025): Out of 4.12 crore allocated, 3.85 crore sanctioned, 2.82 crore completed.
• Employment: 568 crore person-days generated (2016–25).

       

Beneficiary Selection & Financial Assistance

• Identification: Based on SECC 2011 data, Gram Sabha verification, and Awaas+ surveys.
• Prioritization: Landless, SC/ST (60% earmarked), and PwDs (5% suggested).
• Financial aid: ?1.20 lakh in plain areas; ?1.30 lakh in hilly states.
• Funding pattern: 60:40 (Centre:State) in plains; 90:10 in hilly states; 100% Central for UTs.

Convergence with Other Schemes

• MGNREGS: 90/95 person-days of employment per house.
• SBM-G: ?12,000 for toilet construction.
• Other linkages: LPG (PMUY), electricity (Saubhagya), piped water (Jal Jeevan Mission).

Digital and Technological Innovations

• AwaasSoft MIS & App: For beneficiary data, fund releases, and real-time monitoring.
• Awaas+ 2024 App: e-KYC, geo-tagging, face authentication, self-survey facility.
• ABPS: Aadhaar-based Direct Benefit Transfer.
• AI/ML Models: Fraud detection and beneficiary verification.

Challenges in Implementation

• Delay in land allotment for landless beneficiaries.
• Regional disparities in house completion rates.
• Issues of fund release and coordination with states.
• Ensuring quality and durability of construction across varied geographies.

Way Forward

• Strengthening land allotment: Priority monitoring for landless households.
• Capacity building: Expansion of rural mason training for skilled manpower.
• Inclusive approach: Enhanced coverage of vulnerable groups (tribals, PwDs, single women).
• Sustainability focus: Greater integration with renewable energy and green building materials.
• Robust grievance redressal: Strengthen CPGRAMS and social audit frameworks.