The Union Cabinet in New Delhi has recently given the green light for the construction of an additional 20 million new houses in rural areas from 2025 to 2028 under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana — Grameen. The assistance levels for these houses will remain the same at Rs 120,000 in the plains and Rs 130,000 in the hills.
Initially, there was a proposal to increase the unit assistance to Rs 200,000 in the plains and Rs 220,000 in the hills due to the escalating construction costs. However, this proposal did not come to fruition, and the existing assistance levels will be maintained.
These new houses will supplement the nearly 30 million houses that have already been constructed during the tenure of the Modi government over the past 10 years. The total financial outlay for rural housing from 2025 to 2029 is set at Rs 3.06 trillion, with the central government contributing Rs 2.05 trillion and the states contributing Rs 1 trillion.
According to an official statement, the unit cost of assistance for beneficiaries will continue at the current rates of Rs 1.2 lakh in plain areas and Rs 1.3 lakh in the Northeastern region and hill states.
This initiative aims to provide decent housing for those living in rural areas, addressing the housing needs of millions of families across the country. By maintaining the assistance levels at their current rates, the government is ensuring that the construction of these houses remains financially feasible for both the beneficiaries and the authorities involved.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana — Grameen has been instrumental in improving the living conditions of rural households and uplifting the overall quality of life in these areas. With the approval of this new construction project, more families will have access to safe and secure housing, furthering the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
It is crucial to continue investing in rural housing to bridge the housing gap and promote sustainable development in rural communities. The decision to construct 20 million new houses demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving the standard of living for rural populations and ensuring that every family has a place to call home.
