The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) is a pivotal government scheme designed to provide pucca (permanent) houses to the rural poor in India. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals residing in rural regions have access to adequate housing equipped with essential amenities.
Recently, the central government made significant adjustments to the PMAY-G scheme. Notably, the automatic exclusion criteria have been relaxed. Families that own specific items, like a refrigerator, a two-wheeler, or have a landline phone, can now qualify for the scheme if their monthly earnings do not exceed ₹15,000.
Previously, ownership of these items or earning above this threshold would automatically disqualify households from participating in the scheme.
These modifications were implemented to enhance the inclusivity of the scheme and to better reflect the current economic realities. In today's context, possessing such items does not necessarily indicate prosperity. The revisions allow more deserving families in rural areas to benefit from the housing initiative.
The changes were officially announced by Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan during a video conference with the Rural Development Ministers from various states on September 9.
The revisions include an increase in the monthly income limit to ₹15,000. Additionally, the previous exclusions related to household amenities like refrigerators, two-wheelers, and landlines have been removed. However, criteria such as ownership of agricultural equipment, possession of a Kisan Credit Card with a specified limit, and government employment continue to be considered for eligibility.
These changes significantly broaden the range of rural households eligible for new homes under the scheme. Families with minor assets yet facing serious economic hardships will now have a fair chance to qualify. The revised criteria aim to align more closely with the present economic environment.
The overarching goals of PMAY-G include addressing the rural housing shortage, improving the quality of life in rural areas, and reducing the disparity between urban and rural living conditions. The scheme not only focuses on housing but also supports enhancements in sanitation and clean cooking facilities.
The updated norms and eligibility criteria are effective immediately following their announcement. This means potential beneficiaries can apply under the new guidelines for any ongoing or forthcoming phases of the scheme.
Under the revised norms, the government aspires to cover all eligible households under the PMAY-G by 2024, with particular emphasis on the northeastern states, Himalayan regions, and other underdeveloped districts through an integrated action plan. The Centre will bear the entire cost for Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Q1. What is PMAY-Gramin?
Answer: PMAY-Gramin is a government initiative aimed at providing permanent housing to the rural poor in India, ensuring access to essential amenities.
Q2. What changes were made to eligibility criteria in PMAY-G?
Answer: The income limit was raised to ₹15,000, and households owning a refrigerator, two-wheeler, or landline phone are no longer automatically disqualified.
Q3. Who announced the recent changes to PMAY-G?
Answer: Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan announced the changes during a video conference with state Rural Development Ministers.
Q4. What are the broader goals of PMAY-G?
Answer: The scheme aims to reduce the rural housing shortage, improve living standards, and narrow the gap between urban and rural conditions.
Q5. When did the new eligibility criteria for PMAY-G take effect?
Answer: The revised eligibility criteria took effect immediately after the announcement, allowing immediate application under the new rules.
Question 1: What is the primary aim of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin?
A) To provide urban housing
B) To provide permanent housing for the rural poor
C) To support agricultural development
D) To enhance urban infrastructure
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which of the following items no longer disqualifies a household under PMAY-G?
A) Car
B) Refrigerator
C) Land ownership
D) Government job
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Who is responsible for announcing changes to the PMAY-G scheme?
A) State Ministers
B) The Prime Minister
C) Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan
D) The President of India
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is the increased monthly income limit for eligibility under PMAY-G?
A) ₹10,000
B) ₹15,000
C) ₹20,000
D) ₹25,000
Correct Answer: B
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