How Is PMAY (U) Transforming Lives in Jashpur?

Jashpur, June 26 (NationPress) As the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U) commemorates a decade since its initiation, its influence is profoundly felt nationwide, particularly in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district. Here, numerous urban poor have discovered the dignity of owning a pucca house.

Introduced in 2015 to deliver affordable and robust housing for all urban dwellers, this initiative has revolutionized lives by providing financial backing to families residing in kutcha or temporary homes.

In Jashpur, participants in the program are receiving direct support to construct or acquire their own residences, promoting not just shelter but also security, enhanced health, and better living conditions.

People from Bagicha Nagar Panchayat and Rajim Nagar are among the many who have reaped the benefits of this program.

Speaking with IANS, multiple beneficiaries recounted how the initiative has instigated remarkable enhancements in their everyday existence.

“Previously, we dwelled in mud houses that would leak during the rain, leaving us exposed to harsh winters. Now, with a pucca house, our lives have undergone a complete transformation,” shared a beneficiary from Rajim Nagar.

“This has bestowed upon us not just shelter, but dignity.”

Another beneficiary conveyed deep gratitude: “We received financial support through the scheme, and I utilized it to construct a pucca house for my family. I am immensely thankful to PM Modi for making this a reality.”

“I used to reside in a thatched and tiled dwelling, but now, thanks to the central government’s initiatives, I possess a solid, permanent home,” noted another beneficiary.

A shared sentiment among beneficiaries was the relief from seasonal challenges: “During the monsoon, our homes would leak, and mud would spread all over. Now, with our pucca houses, those issues are resolved. It feels like a dream fulfilled.”

Since its launch, PMAY (U) has evolved beyond mere brick-and-mortar construction. It is celebrated as a social empowerment movement, amalgamating infrastructure advancements with inclusive growth.

In the third meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) on June 18, chaired by Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the government sanctioned 2.35 lakh new homes under PMAY-U 2.0, expanding the mission’s reach.

The second phase, PMAY-U 2.0, is being executed through four verticals: Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Affordable Rental Housing (ARH), and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS).

Of the newly approved homes, most fall under the BLC and AHP categories. The program offers up to Rs 2.5 lakh in central assistance per housing unit. To be eligible, families must not possess a pucca house anywhere in India.

To date, PMAY-U has successfully delivered over 93.19 lakh homes under its initial phase. With the launch of PMAY-U 2.0, the target is to construct an additional 1 crore homes, focusing on Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Lower Income Groups (LIG), and Middle Income Groups (MIG).

A notable aspect of the program has been its focus on women’s empowerment. In many instances, homes are registered solely or jointly in women’s names, enhancing their economic and social status. The direct participation model encourages citizens to actively engage in constructing their homes, fostering self-reliance and ownership.