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The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a flagship government housing initiative, was recently in the news as the Tripura government extended this scheme to 31 of its tribal villages. All of these villages are incorporated under Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.

This move by the Tripura government is significant because the previous regime was unwilling to implement the Pradhan Mantri Yojana. Here’s a detailed analysis of the entire event.

Key Facts About PMAY

  • PMAY launch date – 25 June 2015
  • Target – Construction of 20 million affordable houses 
  • Total funds allocated – Rs. 439.22 billion
  • Expected date of completion – 31 March 2022

PMAY Implementation in Tripura

The honorable Prime Minister of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, one of the most ambitious government projects in recent memory, in 2015. The basic premise of this scheme is to provide ‘housing for all’ by 2022. In essence, PMAY eases the way to becoming a homeowner.

In its initial phase, around 15,000 houses were constructed for a member of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) across 11 villages in the country. The 2nd phase, which commenced in 2017-18, brought 4484 additional villages spread across 25 to the fold.

Tripura was conspicuous in its absence, especially considering its massive percentage of the population from the ST communities. According to the present state government, there are over 200 villages in Tripura, a state where indigenous tribes constitute around 40% to 50% of the total population.

However, in a statement dated July 21, the Tripura government announced that this Pradhan Mantri Yojana will now be implemented in the state. This statement also stated that the central government has already sanctioned Rs. 3 Crore to kick-start this scheme in Tripura. Each of the 200 odd villages mentioned by the state government will supposedly receive funds worth Rs. 21 Lakh in this initial phase.

 How Does It Help Tribals in Tripura?

There are as many as 19 ethnic groups residing in Tripura, with several more subsets of each group. On average, these tribes are economically less affluent compared to other ethnic groups in the country. Adequate housing is a common issue in most of the villages and the Pradhan Mantri Yojana is expected to bring relief to thousands of households with its affordable housing solutions.

There are several key benefits of PMAY, some of which are mentioned herein.

  • This scheme is applicable to 4 social classes namely, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), Middle Income Groups I & II (MIG-I & MIG-II). The income caps for these groups are set at Rs. 3 Lakh, Rs. 6 Lakh, Rs. 12 Lakh and Rs. 18 Lakh respectively.
  • It is a credit-linked subsidy scheme (CLSS) via which applicants can avail a home loan in Agartala at a subsidized rate. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Loan offers an interest subsidy of up to 6.5% for a tenor of up to 15 years. Individuals from the EWS class may avail a loan of up to Rs. 6 Lakh to avail this subsidy.
  • The subsidy is credited by the lender directly to an applicant’s account, resulting in a reduced EMI despite the fixed home loan interest rate.
  • Slum-dwellers will benefit through the In-Situ Redevelopment of slums, wherein land will be used as a resource to provide them with better housing solutions in partnership with private players.

All things considered, this Pradhan Mantri Yojana is a landmark scheme aimed at alleviating the housing needs of countless families in India. Tripura was among the last states to join the bandwagon of ‘housing for all’ by 2022. However, the state is now registering a strong drive in providing housing solutions to its tribal population at an accelerated pace.

Already applied for the PMAY Scheme? Check your application status in PM Awas Yojana List

Preety Rani

Article is published on this site by Preety who is an employee at Tablet Hire which is ipad hire company in the United Kingdom.