What is PMAY-Gramin?
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) is a government initiative aimed at providing pucca (permanent) houses to the rural poor in India. The scheme targets to ensure that people living in rural areas have access to pucca houses with basic amenities.
What recent changes have been made to PMAY-Gramin?
The central government has relaxed the “automatic exclusion” criteria under PMAY-G, allowing families who own a refrigerator, two-wheeler, or have a landline phone, and earn up to ₹15,000 per month to qualify for the scheme. Previously, owning these items or earning above this income threshold would automatically disqualify a household.
Why were these changes introduced?
These changes were introduced to make the scheme more inclusive and reflect the current economic realities where ownership of such items no longer necessarily indicates wealth. This adjustment allows more deserving families in rural areas to benefit from the housing scheme.
Who announced these changes?
The changes were announced by Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan. The adjustments were confirmed through a video conference with the Rural Development Ministers of the states on September 9.
What are the key details of the revised eligibility criteria?
Under the revised criteria, besides the increase in the income limit to ₹15,000, the exclusion of households with amenities like refrigerators, two-wheelers, and landlines was removed. Other criteria such as ownership of farm equipment, Kisan Credit Card with a certain limit, and government employment remain as parameters for eligibility evaluation.
How does this impact rural households?
These changes allow a broader range of rural households to qualify for new homes under the scheme, particularly those who may have minor assets but still face significant economic challenges. It also rationalizes the eligibility criteria to be more accommodating of the current economic environment.
What are the broader goals of PMAY-G?
The broader goals of PMAY-G include reducing the rural housing shortage, enhancing the quality of rural life, and decreasing the disparity between rural and urban living conditions. The scheme not only provides housing but also supports associated improvements like sanitation and clean cooking facilities.
When do these changes take effect?
The revised norms and criteria took effect immediately following the announcement, meaning that potential beneficiaries can apply under the new criteria for any ongoing or future phases of the scheme.
What is the target for PMAY-G under the new norms?
The government aims to cover all eligible households under the PMAY-G scheme by 2024, with special focus areas including the north-eastern states, the Himalayan states, and other backward districts under a newly integrated action plan. The Centre bears 100% cost in the case of UTs including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
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