Hemant Govt announces plan to provide 3-room houses to the needy

Ranchi: The Hemant Soren-led government in Jharkhand is embarking on an ambitious mission to provide 3-room houses to the underprivileged. Here are the key highlights of this initiative:

Beneficiaries: The government aims to provide housing to around 2 lakh people by March 31, 2024. An estimated amount of Rs 4106.67 crore will be allocated for this purpose.
State-Government Initiative: Over the next three years, the state government plans to allocate more than Rs 16,000 crore to offer housing to approximately 8 lakh homeless individuals from its own funds.
Abua Housing Scheme: The program, named the “Abua Awas Yojana,” is designed to help those living in inadequate housing conditions. The selection process for beneficiaries will commence on Jharkhand’s Foundation Day, November 15.
Central Government Collaboration: It’s worth noting that the Central Government has not approved new houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Rural for the financial year 2023-24, leading to discussions between the state and central governments. Previously, the state government’s financial participation in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was 40%.
Financial Support: Under the Abua Awas Yojana, the state government will provide Rs 2 lakh per house to beneficiaries for constructing a three-room house. By the end of the current financial year (2023-24), approvals for two lakh houses are expected, with a budget allocation of around Rs 4106.67 crore. In the subsequent financial year (2024-25), an additional 3,50,000 housing units will be sanctioned, requiring a budget of Rs 7106.67 crore. For 2025-26, 2,50,000 housing units are planned, with an expenditure of Rs 5106.96 crore. This adds up to an investment of over Rs 16,000 crore over the next three years.

Beneficiary Selection: The Rural Development Department has developed software for the selection of Abua Housing Scheme beneficiaries. Recommendations from Gram Sabhas will be considered in the selection process, and applications will be accepted through the “Your Scheme, Your Government, Your Doorstep” program.

Past Expenditure: Between 2016-17 and 23-24, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 15 lakh 82 thousand houses were sanctioned. The state government has contributed Rs 8294.21 crore to this centrally sponsored scheme, covering 40% of the state’s share from the budget.

This initiative seeks to address the pressing need for housing among the disadvantaged population in Jharkhand, with a focus on delivering 3-room houses to improve living conditions and uplift the quality of life for many residents.