New Delhi: The Centre has taken significant steps to improve the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri AwaAwas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme to ensure it reaches all eligible beneficiaries.
Measures include allowing self-surveys via the newly launched Awas Plus App and directing officials to include marginalised communities in the scheme.
Inclusive measures for SC-ST families
Families identified in a survey conducted by the Scheduled Caste-Scheduled Tribe Welfare Department will now be eligible for benefits under PMAY-G. Lokesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Rural Development Department, issued a directive to district officials, instructing them to verify eligible families and include them in the scheme.
The survey is being conducted at the panchayat level to identify houseless families. Verified families will be added to the 2024 Awas Plus waitlist, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
MGNREGA job cards for beneficiaries
To further aid beneficiaries, the Rural Development Department has directed officials to issue MGNREGA job cards to PMAY-G beneficiaries. Camps will be organised at the block level to facilitate this process. Beneficiaries with job cards will receive payments equivalent to 90–95 days of work under MGNREGA, providing additional financial support.
Challenges in implementation
Despite these efforts, several challenges have surfaced. In Begusarai, discrepancies were found during a survey in Bagwan Panchayat, where Aadhaar verification, address matching, and biometric scans caused delays. Only four to five beneficiaries could be surveyed daily due to technical issues. Local officials have urged beneficiaries to verify their Aadhaar cards, link them to their bank accounts, and ensure NPCI mapping to streamline the process.
How to apply for house with Awas Plus app
To address these challenges, the government launched the Awas Plus App, empowering beneficiaries to conduct their own surveys. Starting 21 January 2025, rural residents can upload their survey data directly through the app, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Firozabad District Magistrate Ramesh Ranjan explained that the app aims to enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and ensure that all eligible individuals receive benefits.
The app allows users to upload their data for verification and inclusion in the PMAY-G waitlist. It also enables better monitoring and prevents manipulation during the reporting process. District officials will validate the self-survey reports to finalise beneficiaries.
Focus on transparency
The government is committed to ensuring fair implementation. Panchayat-level secretaries will oversee the process, with special emphasis on including marginalised groups. The Vikas Pradhikaran has mandated that women and Dalit representatives must be included in temple trusts associated with the scheme.
By introducing these measures, the government aims to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries have access to secure housing, promoting safety, education, and better living conditions for rural families.
