The government is set to relaunch the online application process for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). This system was last available online in 2017-18, after which applications were processed offline for the past five to six years. Many who applied offline have already had their applications verified and have started receiving the first installment of their housing aid. The scheme provides a fixed amount of ₹1,30,000 for beneficiaries in rural areas and up to ₹2,50,000 for those in urban areas.
Online Applications for PM Awas Yojana – Rural (Gramin)
Beneficiaries will soon be able to apply for housing assistance directly from their homes using a mobile phone. Previously, applicants had to visit government offices to apply offline. To facilitate this change, the government is developing a dedicated portal and mobile application, which is currently in its final stages of preparation.
Once launched, this new system will open online applications for 2 crore new houses in rural areas. The application process involves a verification step where officials confirm the applicant’s eligibility and financial status. Once an applicant is found to be genuinely in need, their name is added to the beneficiary list, and the financial aid is disbursed to their account.
PM Awas Yojana – Urban (Shahari) 2.0 Launched
The central government has officially launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (Shahari) 2.0. Online applications for this scheme are expected to begin at any time. Under this new phase, the government aims to provide 1 crore houses in urban areas alone.
The Government of India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued letters to the Municipal Commissioners and District Municipal Commissioners of all states regarding the implementation of this scheme. Applications will soon be accepted through the new online portal.
Who is Not Eligible for the Urban Scheme?
The following individuals will not be eligible to receive benefits under the PMAY-Urban scheme:
- Government employees
- Individuals who own a four-wheeler vehicle
- Those with an income of more than ₹15,000
- Income tax payers
- Large business owners
Application Requirements
To apply for the PMAY-Urban scheme, applicants must have:
- An Aadhaar card linked to a mobile number.
- A bank account for the disbursement of funds.
- A valid form of identification.
Four Categories of the Urban Housing Scheme
The PMAY-Urban scheme is designed to benefit poor and middle-class families, including those in the Economical Weaker Section (EWS), Lower Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Group (MIG). The benefits are provided through four distinct components:
- Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC): For beneficiaries who wish to construct their own house.
- Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP): For those who want to receive a flat.
- Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC): A government rental housing scheme.
- Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS): To help beneficiaries get home loans at subsidized, lower interest rates.
Unlike the multi-component urban scheme, the rural housing scheme is simpler and provides a direct payment of ₹1,30,000 without other complexities.
