Chhattisgarh: PMAY Realizes Housing Aspirations for Gariaband Residents, Gratitude Expressed to PM Modi

Gariaband, March 28 (NationPress) The influence of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), a prominent initiative from the Central Government, is resonating even in the distant areas of Gariaband, Chhattisgarh. Through this program, the government is turning the aspirations of residents, especially underprivileged and marginalized families, including tribal communities, into reality by providing them with pucca houses (permanent homes).

Numerous beneficiaries recounted their transformative experiences, emphasizing how their lives have significantly improved due to these pucca homes. Previously, they lived in vulnerable kuchha houses, grappling with harsh living conditions. However, thanks to PMAY, they now enjoy a dignified existence in well-constructed homes, bringing them immense relief and happiness.

Ramshila Bai, a senior citizen from the Kamar tribes and a PMAY beneficiary, shared her story with IANS, stating, "Before, I had to reside in the forest, constructing a temporary shelter from straw. But now, with PMAY's assistance, I have a pucca house. I am profoundly grateful to Prime Minister Modi for making this dream a reality for me."

Another beneficiary, Thakur Ram Yadav, also expressed his appreciation. "I used to live in a mud house, but now, thanks to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, I possess a pucca house. I am thrilled with the positive changes it has brought to my life," he remarked.

A Panchayat member also reflected the sentiments of the villagers, elaborating on how PM Modi’s vision of providing a pucca house for every citizen is materializing.

"Our Prime Minister envisioned a nation where every family could have a permanent home. Presently, with the Awas Yojana, this vision is being realized. Poor families, who once struggled to construct their houses, now have homes of their own. As the government continues to assess and update the beneficiary list, many more families are being included to receive assistance," the Panchayat member told IANS.

"I want to express my gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his visionary initiatives that have made this possible," he added.

The District Panchayat CEO, Ghashi Ram Markam, detailed the progress and challenges associated with the scheme.

"There are two types of housing initiatives – Pradhan Mantri Awas and PM-JANMAN scheme. While the PM-JANMAN scheme aims to uplift particularly vulnerable tribal groups, the PMAY focuses on assisting the impoverished. People are being educated about the established standards, such as the minimum house size of 25 square meters, ensuring they meet the designated specifications and can be completed within the budget," he explained.

Inaugurated on June 25, 2015, PMAY is a nationwide initiative designed to provide affordable housing for all, with a goal of constructing 1.12 crore houses for qualifying families in urban areas. The scheme not only aims to build houses but also emphasizes empowerment, with a significant number of beneficiaries being women, single mothers, widows, and marginalized communities. Indeed, over 2.67 lakh houses have been approved specifically for female beneficiaries, and 90 houses have been allocated to transgender individuals.

Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) sanctioned the construction of 3.53 lakh additional houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0). This project encompasses ten states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, among others. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to providing secure and dignified living conditions for the country's underprivileged.