Bhubaneswar: State-wide survey to identify beneficiaries for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-Rural) began today.
Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik facilitated application of five eligible households of Arjunsinghpur village under Pipili block of Puri district today.
The selected beneficiaries are Uma Behera, Juna Behera, Kumar Behera, Mamata Behera and Sanju Behera. These individuals were inducted through the Awas Plus mobile application in presence of Naik.
Speaking to media persons, the Minister blamed the previous BJD government for failing to ensure a pucca house on the heads of the poor people of the State while comparing it to British Rule.
Reacting strongly to it, senior BJD leader and MLA Prasanna Acharya said, “The BJP government should discharge its duty and responsibility the people of Odisha given to them instead of blaming the previous government for everything.”
The household survey for PMAY is likely to be completed within two months. The eligible persons can also apply to get a house under PMAY from their end. They can apply in both online or offline mode. A portal also launched for this purpose.
It was expected that 18 lakh new beneficiaries would be there in the state. However, the number may increase to 20 or 22 lakhs, Shri Naik had informed earlier.
The PMAY guidelines have also relaxed to include maximum households under the scheme. Now, the families owning two-wheelers and refrigerators and earning up to Rs 15,000 per month can avail the benefit of the rural housing scheme, he said.
The families, whose houses were damaged in fire mishaps, elephant attacks or other natural disasters, will be covered under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana. Besides, if any eligible household left out during the survey, would also be included under this scheme.
Notably, the Union cabinet, in August 2024, approved construction of two crore houses under PMAY-Gramin during the next five years till 2029. Under the scheme, the housing assistance is shared between the Centre and the state in the ratio of 60:40.