Is Varanasi's New Housing Project Changing Lives?

Varanasi, June 5 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), a total of 608 beneficiaries in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary area, Varanasi, have been granted luxurious, high-tech homes. This project, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2015, represents the first instance where such sophisticated housing options have been made accessible to economically weaker sections under the PMAY-U initiative.

These homes are furnished with amenities usually associated with premium housing developments, including sewage treatment plants, solar-powered lighting, parks, gyms, and 24/7 CCTV surveillance. The housing complex features a 30-foot-wide main road to facilitate smooth traffic flow and accessibility.

The distribution of these homes was executed equitably, benefiting both Hindu and Muslim families alike.

"This initiative showcases that with the right political will and modern infrastructure, even the most marginalized communities can experience a dignified lifestyle," stated builder Ram Gopal Singh.

"We didn’t merely construct houses; we established a supportive community framework where residents can thrive. The inclusion of facilities like a gym, solar energy systems, sewage treatment, and communal spaces embodies this vision. A local 'Pradhan' is also appointed to ensure maintenance and safety," he added.

Detailing the cost-sharing model, Singh explained: "Each housing unit was valued at approximately Rs 4 lakh. Beneficiaries contributed only Rs 2 lakh, with the balance funded through subsidies - over Rs 1 lakh from the state and Rs 1.5 lakh from the central government. In the market, these homes would fetch no less than Rs 10 lakh."

Beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt thanks to IANS for this opportunity.

Shabnam Parveen, a new homeowner, remarked, "I never imagined I could own a home here. Now I have a roof over my head, and I’m genuinely elated."

Another resident, Pradeep Singh, commended the enhanced quality of life the new community provides.

"The colony boasts parks for children, solar lighting, well-maintained roads, and a gym. It feels like a dream come true," he told IANS.

Shobhnath Pandey, another beneficiary, added: "We have received outstanding homes through this scheme. We’re grateful to the government for this opportunity."

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban, a flagship initiative by the Centre under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), was launched on June 25, 2015. It aims to tackle the urban housing deficit among Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low-Income Groups (LIG), and Middle-Income Groups (MIG), including those living in slums, by providing them with durable housing solutions. Recently, the government introduced PMAY-U 2.0.

As of March 2025, under PMAY-U 2.0, the initial meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee approved over 3.52 lakh homes across 10 states and Union Territories, reinforcing the government's dedication to inclusive urban development.