The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, both Gramin (PMAY-G) and Urban (PMAY-U), are significant welfare schemes initiated by the Indian Government. These initiatives aim to provide affordable housing solutions to Indian citizens, with PMAY-G focusing on rural India and PMAY-U targeting urban areas. However, they show different completion rates, with PMAY-G reporting a 67.72% achievement, while PMAY-U indicates a 50% completion rate only.
Understanding the Reasons Behind the Different Completion Rates
There are several contributing factors to the varied progress levels between these two schemes.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Government officials have attributed the slowdown in the PMAY-U scheme to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme had achieved an 80% completion rate for houses sanctioned before the outbreak, but these figures dropped with the onset of the pandemic.
The Effect of State Implementation
Six states — West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh — account for 70% of the target units. But only Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal report completion rates above the national average. Bihar is among the states with the lowest completion rates.
Challenges with Land Documents and Titles
Both in urban and rural areas, issues such as unclear land titles and lack of other necessary documents have delayed the projects’ progress.
Issues with Funding
West Bengal and Chhattisgarh faced issues with funding. In West Bengal, the state government was accused of repackaging the scheme under the name Bangla Awas Yojana. In Chhattisgarh, funds were withheld due to the state’s inability to provide its contribution.
About PMAY-G Scheme
Launched on 1st April 2016, the PMAY-G aimed to provide a concrete house with basic amenities to all rural families without a home or those living in dilapidated houses by March 2022. Beneficiaries include people from SCs/STs, freed bonded laborers, and non-SC/ST categories, among others. The scheme has so far achieved a 67.72% completion rate.
About PMAY-U Scheme
Launched on 25th June 2015, the PMAY-U intends to provide housing for all in urban areas by 2022. This initiative focuses on addressing urban housing shortages among the urban poor, including slum dwellers. The scheme was initiated with a target of constructing 1.2 crore homes, but so far, only 60 lakh units have been completed, reflecting a 50% completion rate.
Despite the challenges faced, these initiatives play a vital role in driving social welfare schemes and improving the living conditions of Indian citizens. Both schemes require effective coordination between the central and state governments and efficient funding utilization.