PMAYG - Definition, Features & Benefits

The Central Government of India announced its flagship scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana GraminPMAY G in 2014. Initially, the GOI aimed to achieve this mission by 2022. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission has received an extension from the Union Cabinet to March 2024.One of the primary objectives of thePMAYG initiative is to bridge the massive gap between the demand and supplyfor affordable housing units. The houses built under the scheme arespecifically meant for those who cannot afford to buy a house of their own andlive in shanties with no access to basic living facilities like sanitation orelectricity.The houses built are to be allotted to the beneficiaries through alottery system, and certain sections of the society, like women, widows, etc.will get preference.

• The total cost of building the houses will be divided between the Central and the State Governments in a 60:40 ratio. In the hilly regions, i.e., all the Northern states, the contribution will be in the 90:10 ratio.
• All Union Territories will have 100% funding from the Central Government.
• The PMAY Gramin scheme aims to eliminate the slums and other non-permanent housing units and improve the living standards of the rural population.
• Apart from getting a permanent housing unit under the PMAY Gramin scheme, the eligible beneficiaries will get financial assistance of Rs. 12,000 for the construction of a permanent toilet unit. This additional benefit will be covered under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin scheme. The scheme is launched to ensure that all citizens have access to clean sanitation facilities and hygienic living conditions.
• All beneficiaries of the scheme will get Rs. 90.95 per day of unskilled labour under MGNREGS.
• The eligibility of the citizens for the PMAY G scheme will be determined based on the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) and approved by respective Gram Sabhas.
• The PMAY Gramin Scheme is specially designed to be fully transparent. To ensure there is no discrepancy or ambiguity, the payments to the eligible beneficiaries are transferred directly to their bank or post office account linked to their Aadhaar card.

• Under the PMAY Gramin subsidy scheme, the government offers financial assistance to the eligible beneficiaries in the form of a loan of up to Rs. 70,000 from specific financial institutions to help them construct a permanent home.
• The interest on such loans is lower by up to 3% than the non-subsidised loans.
• The maximum amount an eligible beneficiary can borrow is Rs. 2 lakhs.
• For eligible beneficiaries living in the hilly regions/states, the government will offer additional financial assistance for the construction of the house.
• Additional benefits like gas connection will be covered under the Ujjwala Yojana.

Like all government schemes, to get a house under the PMAY G scheme, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, which are discussed below:

• You or any of your family members must not own a pucca (permanent) house in any part of India.
• All families living in dilapidated homes or shanties with one or two rooms are eligible.
• If a family member is above 25 years and literate, then the family will not be ineligible to apply for scheme benefit.
• Families that have no male members in the 16-59 age group may get a preference in getting a housing unit allotted under the PMAY G scheme.
• Families that have specially-abled members and no other member to support them financially are eligible to avail the scheme’s benefits and may get preference during the housing allotment stage.
• Families from minority communities like SCs (Scheduled Castes) and STs (Scheduled Tribes) that cannot afford to buy a house on their own are eligible for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin benefits.

The registration or application process for PMAY G benefits entails four sections, including

• Personal details (name, age, address, etc.)
• Bank account details
• Convergence details
• Details from the concerned office

To register or add a beneficiary, follow the below steps:

• Visit the office PMAY Gramin website https://pmayg.nic.in for login.
• Fill the necessary details such as name, age, mobile number, Aadhaar number, etc. in the relevant sections.
• Upload the consent form authorised to use the Aadhaar number.
• Click on the search button, and you will see the details of the beneficiary and if the casehas priority.
• Click on the register button to continue.
• The beneficiary details will automatically appear on the screen. Ensure that the information given is updated and accurate.
• You must fill the other remaining fields such as Aadhaar details, bank account details, etc.
• After you enter all the necessary details, if you want to avail of a loan under the scheme, then you can click yes and enter the amount you want to borrow.
• Finally, you must upload MGNREGS and SBM details.

Once you finish the registration process, the assigned authority will initiate the process to add you as the beneficiary.

• Aadhaar number and a self-attested copy of the Aadhaar card. If you come from an illiterate family, then you would need a consent letter from concerned members along with their thumbprint.
• The job beneficiary card registered with MGNREGA.
• Bank account details.
• SBM (Swachh Bharat Mission) number.
• Proof of identity.
• Address proof.

When you apply for the PMAY Gramin housing or subsidy benefit, you would want to keep track of your application status. The following tips will be useful.

• Visit the official PMAY G website.
• Click on the FTO Tracking option under the Awaassoft Tab.
• Enter the FTO (Fund Transfer Order) number or the PFMS (Public Financial Management System) ID to verify the progress of your application and get the latest update.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin scheme has been a boon for many beneficiaries across India. It has helped the poor get a permanent house and live a respectable life.

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.