Ensuring Transparency and Accountability Under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G): A Comprehensive Approach
Introduction
The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) is a significant initiative aimed at providing rural and urban residents with essential infrastructure and livelihood support. This blog explores the mechanism behind PMAY-G, focusing on its approach to ensuring transparency and accountability among beneficiaries.
How PMAY-G Ensures Transparency
Under the guidelines of Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC)-2011 and through an appellate process, PMAY-G identifies eligible beneficiaries based on housing deprivation parameters. These parameters are derived from data collected to assess socio-economic status. The inclusion criteria ensure that only those with minimal socio-economic access are included in the scheme.
The eligibility of beneficiaries is further verified by their respective Gram Sabhas, ensuring adherence to guidelines set by state and central governments. The process also involves an Appellate Process, which adds a layer of fairness and ensures transparency.
Updated Awaas+ List
To reflect the socio-economic changes in recent years, the PMAY-G Awaas+ List is being updated using modified exclusion criteria from SECC 2018. This ensures that the list remains accurate and representative of current socio-economic status among beneficiaries.
The states/UTs are adopting modern technologies, such as technology-based (eKYC) face-based authentication solutions, to enhance transparency during identification and verification processes. This digital approach minimizes fraud and enhances accountability.
Extension of PMAY-G Scheme
As part of the government’s commitment to rural development, the PMAY-G scheme has been extended for an additional 5 years ( FY 2024-25 to 2028-29), providing substantial financial support. The total additional rural houses under this scheme amount to 2 crore.
Funding Mechanism
The funding distribution across states/UTs is as follows:
- New States and Hilly States (including J&K and Ladakh): 90% funded by the Center, with 10% borne by states/UTs.
- Non-States: 60% funded by the Center, 40% by states/UTs.
- Union Territories without a Legislature: 100% of funding is borne by the Center.
This distribution ensures equitable support for all eligible beneficiaries.
Support for beneficiaries
Beyond unit assistance (Rs. 1.20 lakh in plain areas and Rs. 1.30 lakh in North Eastern States), PMAY-G provides additional support:
- Water and Energy Connections: Support includes piped drinking water, electricity, LPG gas, solar lanterns, and better cooking materials.
- Toilet and Toilet Paper Services: Swacch Bharat Mission (SBM-G) ensures access to a standard toilet with toilet paper for Rs. 12,000.
State-Level Support
Some states/UTs are offering top-up financial support beyond the basic unit assistance to ensure affordability. This is part of an effort to provide better amenities and infrastructure to beneficiaries.
Conclusion
PMAY-G ensures transparency by applying rigorous eligibility criteria based on SECC 2011 and conducting an appellate process. The updated Awaas+ List reflects current socio-economic status, while the government extends the scheme for more years to address growing needs in rural areas.
Funding is distributed fairly across states/UTs, with states/UTs receiving priority support. Additional benefits include improved water supply, basic amenities, and better infrastructure, all aimed at ensuring that every beneficiary has access to quality services.
The PMAY-G initiative not only provides financial assistance but also ensures accountability and transparency in the delivery of essential amenities to beneficiaries. This comprehensive approach under the scheme ensures sustainable development and improves livelihoods for rural residents.