The Chhattisgarh government has requested central approval for over 15 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) (PMAY-G), with a special focus on families affected by Maoist violence and those of surrendered Maoists. During a meeting with Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the need for targeted housing in 15 districts facing Left-Wing Extremism. The initiative aims to provide stability through housing, particularly in rural areas with acute shortages. The central government is expected to increase funding under PMAY-G to address rising construction costs.
The Chhattisgarh government has formally requested the central government to approve plans for over 15 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) or PMAY-G. This request includes special housing provisions for the families of surrendered Maoists, those affected by Maoist violence, and the relatives of security personnel who have lost their lives in anti-Maoist operations. This initiative emphasizes the need for support in rural areas, where housing shortages and related challenges persist.
The request was outlined during a meeting between Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, his deputy Vijay Sharma, and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 29. The meeting resulted in "positive discussions" regarding PMAY-G, according to a statement from the Rural Development Ministry. Minister Chouhan assured the Chhattisgarh government that efforts would be made to ensure no one is left without housing, and emphasized the importance of the efficient use of funds allocated for public welfare schemes.
Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister has specifically called for 15,000 PMAY-G houses designated for families directly impacted by Maoist activities. These families are distributed across 15 districts that have faced Left-Wing Extremism. This targeted housing approach aims to offer stability and support to those who have been significantly affected by conflict, reinforcing the government's commitment to rehabilitation and welfare.
The PMAY-G, which began to take shape in 2022, aims to provide pucca houses with essential amenities to those who currently live in inadequate housing. Eligible families receive significant financial assistance, with amounts reaching up to INR 1.2 lakh in plain areas and INR 1.3 lakh in mountainous or difficult regions. This financial aid is shared between the central and state governments, highlighting the joint responsibility in addressing rural housing issues.
Furthermore, the central government has announced an increase in funding under the PMAY-G starting in FY 2024-25. The unit cost is set to rise from INR 1.2 lakh to INR 2 lakh in plain areas, and from INR 1.3 lakh to INR 2.2 lakh in more challenging terrains. This change reflects an understanding of the rising construction costs and the growing need for quality housing in rural areas. However, previous disruptions in implementation in Chhattisgarh, particularly under the former Bhupesh Baghel government, raise concerns about future funding and effective execution of housing projects.
As the central government aims to achieve a target of 2.95 crore PMAY-G houses by 2024, with an extension plan to build an additional 2 crore houses, Chhattisgarh's recent appeal underscores the urgent demand for housing in rural regions. As of now, the state has completed nearly 10.89 lakh houses, falling short of its target, which intensifies the need for swift action and effective partnerships between state and central authorities.
In light of these developments, stakeholders believe it is essential for both the central and state governments to streamline their processes to ensure timely approvals and proper distribution of funds. Increasing transparency and collaboration will be vital in addressing the housing crisis in rural Chhattisgarh, particularly for families affected by violence and conflict. As discussions continue, the focus remains on creating a supportive environment that fosters stability and growth for the state's rural population.
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