Launched in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or simply the PMAY scheme is a Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) to make ‘affordable housing’ available for all first-time homeowners. The vision is to construct around two million ‘pucca’ houses replete with basic amenities such as water, sanitation, electricity, etc. by the 75th year of Indian Independence – 2022.
PMAY Guidelines
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana lays down the following guidelines with regards to houses that are to be constructed under this CLSS scheme –
- PMAY subsidy on home loans is to be made available to all who meet the PMAY eligibility criteria, divided into four beneficiary categories (given below)
- All houses constructed under the PMAY scheme must be equipped with necessary civic infrastructure and services such as water, ‘pucca’ roads, sewerage, road, electricity, sanitation, etc.
- Special attention and care has been given to the construction of proper toilets
- The minimum size of every house constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana must conform to the standards provided in the National Building Code (NBC). If enough land area is not available to meet the minimum construction size and if beneficiary consent for reduced size is available, the State/Union Territory with the approval of the SLMC can decide on the suitable area
- Also conforming to the standards of the National Building Code (NBC) and other relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) codes, all houses constructed under the PMAY scheme must meet the basic requirements for structural safety against cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, floods, etc.
- The PMAY scheme makes it mandatory for the female member of the household to be a co-owner of the house, especially for the EWS and LIG categories. Only in case of no female member can the house be registered solely in the name of the male member
- The State/Union Territory Governments and Implementing Agencies are expected to encourage the formation of beneficiary associations under schemes like RWA (Resident Welfare Association) for proper maintenance of houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
The Beneficiary Categories for PMAY
Beneficiaries of the PMAY are divided into four categories based on the annual household income –
- EWS or Economically Weaker Section – having an annual household income of less than Rs. 3 lakhs
- LIG or Lower Income Group – having an annual household income that is above Rs. 3 lakhs but less than Rs. 6 lakhs
- MIG I or Middle Income Group I – having an annual household income that is more than Rs. 6 lakhs but less than Rs. 12 lakhs
- MIG II or Middle Income Group II – having an annual household income that is higher than Rs. 12 lakhs but does not exceed Rs. 18 lakhs
Steps to Apply for PMAY
Eligible for PMAY subsidy but unsure how to apply? Given below are the steps –
- Step 1 – Identify the category under which you are eligible based on the categories mentioned above
- Step 2 – Visit the official website – https://pmaymis.gov.in/
- Step 3 – Under the main menu, click on ‘Citizen Assessment’ and choose your applicant category. You will be redirected to a new page
- Step 4 – Here, you need to fill in your Aadhar details
- Step 5 – Complete the online PMAY application form by entering relevant info such as income, current residential address, bank account details, etc.
- Step 6 – Type in the Captcha code, preview your details for accuracy and submit it
Once submitted, you can track your application status by clicking on the ‘Track Your Assessment Status’ under ‘Citizen Assessment.’
The most ambitious of all Government schemes, the PMAY scheme is an excellent opportunity for every Indian citizen to fulfil their dream of owning a home.