Understanding The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban, also known as PMAY, aims to provide housing for every citizen in urban regions by 2022. This initiative represents a flagship mission spearheaded by the Indian Government, with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) taking charge of its implementation. The program, which commenced on June 25, 2015, is frequently referred to as "Housing for All."
The mission addresses housing shortages among the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Group (MIG), encompassing slum dwellers. A key goal involves ensuring permanent housing for all eligible urban households by 2022 when the nation marks 75 years of independence.
Successful execution of PMAY(U) relies on State Level Nodal Agencies (SLAs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/ Implementing Agencies (IAs), Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs), and Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs), all playing vital roles.
According to PMAY(U) guidelines, EWS houses can measure up to 30 sq. meters in carpet area. However, States/UTs can adjust house sizes upon consulting with the Ministry.
Extension of PMAY(U) Until December 31, 2024
Initially, the plan aimed to construct over 1.12 crore homes in urban areas by August 15, 2022. Due to various factors, the Cabinet has granted an extension until December 31, 2024, enabling the completion of already-approved houses. While the initial order stood at 1.12 crore houses, the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has sanctioned 122.69 lakh houses, with 102.59 lakh grounded and 61.77 lakh delivered as of August 1.
According to a Lok Sabha statement on July 21, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore stated that they are considering extending the mission until March 2024 to complete all houses authorized under the scheme up to March 31, 2022, without modifying the funding or implementation. He also announced a temporary 6-month extension for all aspects except the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme.
Objectives and Amenities Under PMAY(U)
The program encompasses all urban areas, including statutory towns, notified planning areas, industrial development authorities, development authorities, special area development authorities, or any authority authorized for urban planning and regulation under state legislation. Under PMAY (U), every house includes essential amenities such as toilets, electricity, water supply, and a kitchen.
Requirements For PMAY (U) Eligibility
To promote female empowerment, the mission prioritizes house ownership in the names of female members or joint ownership. Additionally, preference is given to individuals who are differently-abled, senior citizens, members of STs, SCs, OBCs, minorities, transgender individuals, single women, and other vulnerable populations. Eligibility criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana include:
- Applicants must not possess a house.
- PMAY caters to the economically weaker section (EWS), LIG (Low Income Group), MIG-I (Middle Income Group I), and MIG-II (Middle Income Group-II) sections of society.
- Families should not own a permanent house.
- Subsidies are available through banks.