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PM Awas Yojana: Eligibility, Objective, Features

PM Awas Yojana is a housing scheme aimed at providing affordable houses in rural and urban areas. PM Awas Yojana has two components, urban and rural.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit17 Jan, 2025
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PM Awas Yojana

PM Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a flagship housing scheme launched by the Government of India on June 1, 2015, aimed at providing affordable housing to the urban and rural poor. PMAY consists of two main components: PMAY Urban (PMAY-U) and PMAY Gramin (PMAY-G) .

The scheme's core objective was to achieve "Housing for All" by constructing 2 crore houses by March 2022 which was later extended to December 2024. Currently, 3 crore additional households are being sanctioned under the PM Awas Yojana. Read on to learn more about this scheme.

What is PM Awas Yojana?

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was launched by the government in 2015. It is a centrally sponsored credit-linked subsidy scheme that offers financial assistance to individuals belonging to economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-income groups to help them build or buy a house. PM Awas Yojana is divided into two segments : PM Awas Yojana Gramin for rural areas and PM Awas Yojana Urban for urban areas. The scheme also encourages the construction of houses with modern amenities to ensure better living standards for all citizens.

PM Awas Yojana Objective

The primary objective of PM Awas Yojana is to achieve the ambitious goal of “Housing for All.” This Housing for All Scheme in India under PMAY focuses on the following goals:
  • Providing affordable housing to the economically weaker sections (EWS), lower-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG).
  • Reducing the urban-rural housing gap by constructing affordable homes in both urban and rural areas.
  • Improving living conditions by ensuring better infrastructure such as water, electricity, sanitation, and roads.
  • Supporting sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices that minimize environmental impact.
  • To improve living conditions in slums through redevelopment initiatives.
By achieving these objectives, the PM Awas Yojana aims to improve the quality of life for millions of Indian families.

PM Awas Yojana Gramin

PM Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G), earlier known as the Indira Awaas Yojana (till 2015), focuses on providing housing to the rural population. It targets homeless families and households living in dilapidated or kutcha houses.
PM Awas Yojana Gramin
Launch Restructured from Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) in 2015
Implemented by Ministry of Rural Development
Aim Provide pucca houses with basic amenities to the homeless or those living in kutcha/dilapidated houses in rural areas
Unit Size Minimum of 25 square meters, including a dedicated area for hygienic cooking.
Beneficiaries Houseless households and those living in dilapidated or kutcha houses as per SECC 2011 data.
Selection Three-stage validation: Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011, Gram Sabha, and geo-tagging.
Funding Pattern 60:40 sharing between Centre and State in plain areas; 90:10 for North Eastern States and certain hilly states; 100% Central Share for Union Territories.
Priority Groups Differently abled persons, destitute widows, woman-headed families, transgenders, and victims of natural calamities.

PM Awas Yojana Urban

PM Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U) is designed to address the housing needs of India’s rapidly growing urban population. It offers interest subsidies on housing loans, making urban housing more affordable.
PM Awas Yojana Urban
Launch 25th June 2015
Implemented by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Objective To provide affordable housing for all in urban areas
Target Beneficiaries Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Groups (LIG), and Middle Income Groups (MIG).
House Size Maximum carpet area of 30 sq. m for EWS; flexibility for larger sizes based on state approval.
Implementation Verticals
  • Beneficiary-led Individual House Construction or Enhancement (BLC)
  • Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP)
  • In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR)
  • Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs)
Interest Subsidy Rates 6.5% on loans up to ₹6 lahks, 4% on loans up to ₹9 lakh, and 3% on loans up to ₹12 lakh
Special Provisions Mandatory female head ownership for houses, priority for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals in ground floor allocations.
Image Credit: pmaymis.gov.in

PM Awas Yojana Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for PMAY are crucial in determining who can benefit from this housing scheme. To ensure the scheme reaches the most deserving candidates, the government has set specific guidelines for both rural and urban populations. The general criteria are as follows:
  • Indian Citizens: Only Indian citizens are eligible for the scheme.
  • Age : Beneficiaries must be at least 18 years old.
  • Income Group : There are separate categories for EWS, LIG, MIG, and others. Each group has different income criteria.
  • No Home Ownership: Eligible individuals must not own a pucca house (permanent structure) under their name in any part of India.
The PMAY application can be made through the official PMAY websites or via authorized financial institutions.

PM Awas Yojana Features

PMAY comes with several key features that make it one of the most inclusive and comprehensive housing schemes in India. Here are some of the most notable features:
  • Subsidized Home Loan: The scheme provides a credit-linked subsidy for home loans, which lowers the cost of borrowing for individuals.
  • Interest Subsidy: Eligible beneficiaries can avail themselves of an interest subsidy ranging from 3% to 6.5% on home loans, depending on their income group.
  • Affordable Housing: The program emphasizes the construction of affordable homes with essential amenities like electricity, sanitation, and water supply.
  • Slum Redevelopment: In urban areas, PMAY also focuses on the redevelopment of slums by constructing better houses for people living in dilapidated conditions.
  • Women empowerment: Mandates the inclusion of women as co-owners, promoting gender equality.
In conclusion, PM Awas Yojana is a transformative initiative that aims to provide affordable and quality housing to millions of Indians. If you're keen to explore more about government initiatives or prepare for UPSC, check out the PW UPSC Courses to enhance your knowledge!
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PM Awas Yojana FAQs

What is PMAY full form?

PMAY stands for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a housing scheme launched by the Government of India.

What is the Housing for All scheme in India?

The Housing for All scheme refers to the PM Awas Yojana, which aims to provide affordable housing by 2024.

Who is eligible for PMAY Urban?

Individuals from low-income groups (LIG), economically weaker sections (EWS), and middle-income groups (MIG) are eligible for PMAY Urban based on their annual household income.

What is PM Awas Yojana (Rural)?

PM Awas Yojana Rural, also known as PMAY-G, provides housing assistance to rural households without shelter or living in kutcha houses.

How to apply for PMAY?

You can apply for PMAY through the official PMAY website or through various authorized financial institutions.
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