HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Sept 22: Under the leadership of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Ashok Singhal, state’s Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) program (PMAY-U) is making remarkable strides. As of September 22, 2023, the program has approved 551 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), signalling the green light for 1,72,544 dwelling units. Impressively, 1,64,367 houses have already been constructed, showcasing unwavering commitment.
On the financial front, the program has received a substantial Central Share (CS) of Rs 1526.52 crores, complemented by a corresponding state share of Rs 546.15 crores. Every rupee has been meticulously invested, and Utilisation Certificates (UCs) have been submitted to both the government of India and the government of Assam. The total expenditure now stands at an impressive Rs 2072.67 crores.
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PMAY(U) goes beyond housing, with the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) providing interest subsidies totalling Rs 79.79 crores to 3,466 beneficiaries. Although CLSS benefits concluded after March 31, 2022, its legacy lives on.
Demonstration Housing Projects (DHPs) are showcasing a path forward. A project in Fatasil Ambari, featuring 40 dwelling units, is actively under construction, emphasising inclusivity and progress. The In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) component is also gaining momentum, with a project of 64 dwelling units sanctioned by the ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), government of India, in North Lakhimpur Municipal Board. Construction is progressing rapidly, promising improved living conditions for those in need.
The success of PMAY(U) is attributed to the adoption of best practices, which extend beyond bricks and mortar. These practices include an enhanced state subsidy, additional support for economically weaker sections, empowerment of landless beneficiaries, and community engagement through innovative initiatives like foundation-laying stone ceremonies and housewarming celebrations. Notably, CM Sarma has personally penned appreciation letters to over 1,05,247 PMAY-U beneficiaries, reinforcing the government’s commitment to individual well-being. Furthermore, the ‘Back Log Clearance Drive 2023’ is already yielding remarkable results, with 1,410 delayed houses completed and 1,308 non-started houses now under construction.
In summary, Assam’s Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Housing for All – Urban is a beacon of hope, progress, and community empowerment. These milestones, achievements, and best practices underscore the dedication of the state government to transform lives and ensure that the dream of owning a home becomes a reality for all.
It is worth recalling that on June 25, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the groundbreaking Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) program, with the primary aim of providing sustainable housing solutions to underprivileged urban families across the nation by 2022. A significant development occurred on August 10, 2022, when the Union Cabinet approved an extension of the scheme’s duration until December 31, 2024.
