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The Bihar government has sent notices to over 1.5 lakh beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) for failing to construct or complete their pucca houses despite receiving the required funds in their bank accounts. Rural Development Minister Shri Sharwan Kumar stated that 82,441 beneficiaries received a 'white' notice as a warning, while 67,733 were issued a 'red' notice, indicating impending action. Additionally, certificate cases have been lodged against 19,495 defaulters who failed to utilize the sanctioned amount. PMAY-G, launched in 2015 and implemented from 2016, aims to provide affordable housing for the rural poor, with financial assistance of INR 1,20,000 for plain areas and INR 1,30,000 for hilly regions. The Centre funds 60% of the scheme, while state governments contribute 40%.
The Bihar government has taken strict action against over 1.5 lakh beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) for failing to construct or complete their pucca houses, even after receiving the allocated funds in their personal bank accounts. The Rural Development Department has issued warnings and initiated legal proceedings against defaulters.
Speaking in the assembly, Rural Development Minister Shri Sharwan Kumar stated that notices have been sent to these beneficiaries, categorizing them based on the severity of their inaction. 82,441 individuals received 'white' notices, serving as a final warning to complete construction and avoid further action. Meanwhile, 67,733 beneficiaries were issued 'red' notices, indicating that legal steps would be taken if they failed to comply. Additionally, the department has filed certificate cases against 19,495 defaulters who did not construct their houses despite receiving the full sanctioned amount several months ago.
PMAY-G, introduced by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2015 and implemented from 2016, is a flagship initiative aimed at providing affordable housing for the rural poor. Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance of INR 1,20,000 per unit for houses in plain areas and INR 1,30,000 per unit for those in hilly, difficult terrains, including the Himalayan and northeastern states, as well as the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The funding structure requires the central government to cover 60% of the costs, with the remaining 40% borne by state governments.
This is not the first time the Bihar government has taken action against defaulters of the PMAY-G scheme. Earlier, in April 2023, the state government had issued notices to approximately 2.21 lakh beneficiaries for not completing their houses despite receiving the full financial assistance. At that time, 1,27,463 beneficiaries were given 'white' notices as a warning, while 94,027 received 'red' notices, indicating impending legal action. The government also initiated departmental proceedings against 347 officials, including 309 Awas Sahayaks (housing assistants) and 38 Awas Paryavekshaks (housing supervisors), for failing to ensure proper implementation of the scheme.
These previous enforcement actions highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring compliance and proper utilization of funds under PMAY-G. Despite financial aid being provided, a significant number of beneficiaries continue to default on their housing commitments, necessitating stricter monitoring and accountability measures.
The Bihar government's recent crackdown highlights the challenges in properly utilizing PMAY-G funds for rural housing. Despite financial aid being provided, a significant number of beneficiaries have failed to complete their houses, prompting strict warnings and legal action. This move underscores the government's commitment to enforcing accountability and ensuring that funds allocated for affordable housing serve their intended purpose.
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