Haryana: In 10 years, less than 19% houses allotted under PM Awas Yojana

Information received in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application has revealed that less than 19 per cent target has been achieved under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Haryana during the past 10 years. Previously named Indira Awas Yojana, the scheme was renamed Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and relaunched on June 25, 2015.

The main objective of the scheme was to provide affordable housing to poor residents in urban areas. Subhash, the state coordinator of the Haryana Soochna Adhikar Manch, had filed the RTI application, seeking details about the implementation of the scheme in the state. In response, the State Public Information Officer of the Housing for All Department, Haryana, maintained that the state was given a target of 67,649 houses at the time of the launch of the scheme. However, in nearly 10 years, only 12,781 houses had been constructed — merely 18.89 per cent of the target.

As per the reply, another 15,845 houses are under construction, but there is no information on when they will be completed. An amount of Rs 570.07 crore has been allocated to Haryana under the PMAY in the past nine years. This money is meant for beneficiaries under the below poverty line (BPL) category. The assistance for the construction of a house is also provided in instalments.

"Many government schemes can benefit eligible residents if implemented in a smooth and transparent manner. But most of these are hindered by techno-official hurdles, delaying the implementation of the welfare programmes and depriving the intended beneficiaries," said Subhash.