PM Awas Yojana big update: 2.89 lakh houses approved for Rajasthan, ₹3,473 crore sanctioned

Rural families and farmers in Rajasthan have received a major boost with a series of announcements covering housing, agriculture, women’s empowerment and rural development. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), approval has been given for 2,89,355 new pucca houses at an estimated cost of ₹3,473 crore. An additional ₹340.59 crore has also been approved for agricultural development initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).

Survey of 29.13 Lakh Potential Beneficiaries Completed:

According to the Union Minister, a survey of 29,13,749 potential new beneficiaries has been completed under PMAY-G. Eligible families will receive housing approvals after the required physical verification process. 
The minister also directed authorities to make beneficiary lists publicly available at the district and gram panchayat levels. He stressed the need for a transparent process for filing and resolving objections so that eligible families are not denied assistance because of errors or omissions.

Major Changes in PMAY-G Eligibility Criteria:

1. The government has announced important changes aimed at expanding the reach of rural housing assistance. The key changes include:
2. Families owning a two-wheeler can now also fall within the eligibility framework for housing assistance.
3. Women earning up to ₹15,000 per month can be eligible for the scheme. The earlier income threshold was ₹10,000 per month.
4. Small farmers owning up to 5 acres of unirrigated land or 2.5 acres of irrigated land can also qualify for housing support.
5. These changes are intended to bring more economically vulnerable rural families within the ambit of housing assistance.

Rajasthan’s Lakhpati Didi Target Doubled to 32 Lakh:

Women’s economic empowerment was another key focus of the programme. The Union Minister said that around 16 lakh women in Rajasthan have already become Lakhpati Didis. The target has now been raised to 32 lakh Lakhpati Didis in the state. According to the minister, around ₹13,400 crore has so far been disbursed through various banks to support women’s livelihoods and entrepreneurial activities.

₹12,000 Crore Rural Development Target for Rajasthan:

The programme also highlighted the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Yojana and its focus on strengthening rural infrastructure and development through local participation. Rajasthan has been given an investment target of ₹12,000 crore over the next nine months. The initiative is expected to extend to gram panchayats, with an annual development target of around ₹80 lakh per panchayat. The emphasis is on allowing villages and gram panchayats to identify and prioritise their own development requirements instead of having all priorities decided at the state or central level.

Farmers to Get Urea at ₹266 per Bag:

Union Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to keep fertiliser costs affordable for farmers. He said that although the cost of a bag of urea is around ₹3,000, farmers are being provided urea at ₹266 per bag under the existing support mechanism. He also warned against black marketing of fertilisers and assured farmers of strict action against those involved in the illegal sale of agricultural inputs.

Tougher Action against Fake Pesticides and Substandard Seeds:

The issue of fake pesticides and poor-quality seeds was also raised during the programme. The Union Minister said that the existing legal provisions need to be strengthened to deal more effectively with the sale and distribution of substandard agricultural inputs. He indicated that stronger legislation related to pesticides and seeds would be introduced in Parliament, with tougher provisions against those involved in such malpractice. The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening farmers’ protection against losses caused by counterfeit pesticides, poor-quality seeds and other substandard agricultural inputs.

Focus on Housing, Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods:

The latest announcements combine housing assistance with measures aimed at improving agricultural development, women’s livelihoods and rural infrastructure. With 2.89 lakh houses approved, a ₹340.59 crore agricultural development allocation, expanded PMAY-G eligibility and a higher Lakhpati Didi target, Rajasthan’s rural development agenda is set to receive a significant push.

FAQs:

1. How many houses have been approved under PMAY-G in Rajasthan?

A total of 2,89,355 new pucca houses have been approved under PMAY-G in Rajasthan.

2. How many potential beneficiaries were surveyed?

A survey of 29,13,749 potential beneficiaries has been completed under PMAY-G.

3. What is the new PMAY-G income eligibility for women?

Women earning up to ₹15,000 per month may now be eligible under the revised criteria.

4. What is Rajasthan’s new Lakhpati Didi target?

The target has been increased from around 16 lakh to 32 lakh Lakhpati Didis.

5. What is the price of urea for farmers?

Farmers are being provided urea at ₹266 per bag under the government’s existing support mechanism.