PMAY-G Extended: 2 Crore New Homes Planned
The Union Cabinet has approved a five-year extension of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G), aiming to construct an additional 2 crore rural houses by 2029. This decision comes alongside the introduction of updated exclusion criteria and a new technology-driven survey process to enhance transparency and efficiency in beneficiary identification. The initiative is set to leverage advanced tools, including an innovative app and AI technology, to ensure a streamlined housing construction process.
New Survey Process Enhances Transparency
The identification of beneficiaries under PMAY-G relies on housing deprivation parameters and exclusion criteria established by the Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011. The Union Cabinet’s recent decision includes updating the Awaas+ List using modified exclusion criteria. States and Union Territories will conduct a new survey utilizing technology-based solutions, including eKYC face-based authentication, to ensure transparency from the initial identification phase to the completion of housing projects. The Awaas+ 2024 app is a key component of this initiative. Designed specifically for PMAY-G, the app features an assisted survey conducted by pre-registered surveyors. It allows for housing technology selection, face authentication, and data capture of household conditions. The app operates in both online and offline modes, providing a “Self-Survey” option for eligible households. This innovative approach aims to facilitate the next phase of PMAY-G from 2024 to 2029.
Advanced Technology to Combat Fraud
To address potential fraudulent activities, the PMAY-G initiative will employ an AI/ML model that identifies and curbs malpractices. The app includes a recommendation system that assesses various house attributes, such as wall and roof types, based on uploaded photos of completed houses. This system will help streamline the approval process by recommending final photographs for verification.
Additionally, the app integrates an e-KYC feature that uses AI-enabled face authentication technology to verify PMAY-G beneficiaries. A liveliness detection feature, which includes eye blink and motion detection, further enhances the identification process. Payments to beneficiaries will be made directly to their Aadhaar-linked accounts, ensuring 100% transparency and efficiency in fund distribution.
Financial Support and Convergence with Other Schemes
Under PMAY-G, beneficiaries receive substantial financial assistance for housing construction. The current unit assistance is set at ₹1.20 lakh for plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh for beneficiaries in North Eastern and Hilly States. The funding pattern varies, with a 90:10 ratio for North Eastern and Himalayan States, while other states follow a 60:40 ratio. Union Territories without legislatures receive 100% funding from the central government. In addition to direct financial support, beneficiaries are entitled to 90 to 95 days of unskilled labor wages through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). They also receive ₹12,000 for toilet construction through the Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin (SBM-G) or other funding sources. Some states are providing additional financial support to further assist PMAY-G beneficiaries in constructing their homes. The scheme promotes the use of local materials and state-specific housing designs to enhance affordability while minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, it encourages convergence with various government schemes to maximize benefits for PMAY-G beneficiaries, including access to piped drinking water, electricity connections, and cleaner cooking energy solutions.
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