Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Know the eligibility, documents required, application process and more

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY Scheme): The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a flagship housing credit-linked subsidy scheme launched by the Government of India in 2015 to provide affordable housing to the economically weaker sections and lower-income groups of the country.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission, launched on June 25, 2015, provides Central Assistance to the implementing agencies through States and Union Territories (UTs) and Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) for providing houses to all eligible families and beneficiaries against the validated demand for houses of about 1.12 crore.

Under the PMAY-U, the maximum carpet area for houses constructed for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) is 30 sq. m. However, states and union territories have the flexibility to increase this size in consultation with and approval from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Read | The real reason middle-class Indians can’t afford to buy homes — and how to make sure they can

A key feature of PMAY-U is its focus on empowering women in the EWS and LIG categories. Unlike previous housing schemes, PMAY-U mandates that the house be owned or co-owned by the female head of the beneficiary family.

PMAY has two components: one for urban areas (PMAY-U) and another for rural areas (PMAY-G or PMAY-R). PMAY-U caters to the housing needs of the urban poor, while PMAY-G/R addresses the requirements of the rural poor.

Recently, in a post on X, PM Modi announced that the first decision by the newly formed Cabinet is a big step towards promoting dignified life and ease of living for crores of countrymen. “Our government has today decided to expand the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and build 3 crore new houses in villages and cities. This decision also reflects our commitment to making the living standards of the people easier. This will not only fulfil the need of people for houses but will also provide them with a quality life. The expansion of PMAY also brings out our determination for the development of all and social justice (Sabka Vikas aur Samaj Kalyan),” he said. Here is all you need to know about the scheme.

In his first Cabinet meeting of the third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved aid for building 3 crore houses in rural and urban areas under the PMAY-Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. (PTI)

Eligibility criteria for PMAY:

To be eligible for the PMAY scheme, the following criteria must be met:

The beneficiary family should not own a pucca house (an all-weather dwelling unit) either in their name or in the name of any member of their family anywhere in India.
The beneficiary family should not have availed of any central assistance under any housing scheme from the Government of India or the State Government.
The beneficiary family should not have availed of any PMAY-Credit-Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) subsidy from any of the primary lending institutions (PLIs).

The scheme is further divided into different income categories, with specific eligibility criteria and benefits for each:

Economically Weaker Section (EWS): annual income up to ₹3 lakh, house size up to 30 sq. m.
Lower Income Group (LIG): annual income between ₹3 lakh and ₹6 lakh, house size up to 60 sq. m.
Middle Income Group I (MIG I): annual income between ₹6 lakh and ₹12 lakh, house size up to 160 sq. m.
Middle Income Group II (MIG II): annual income between ₹12 lakh and ₹18 lakh, house size up to 200 sq. m.

Documents required for PMAY:

The following documents are required to apply for the PMAY scheme:

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For Salaried Applicants:

Identity proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, passport, driving license, etc.
Address proof: voter ID, passport, utility bills, etc.
Income proof: Last 6 months’ bank statements, salary slips, Form 16, ITR, etc.
Property-related documents: allotment letter, property agreement, possession letter, etc.
Proof of category (if applicable): SC/ST/OBC/Minority certificate
Consent form for Aadhaar-linked bank account for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

For self-employed applicants:

Identity proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, driving license, etc.
Address proof: Aadhaar card, voter card, bank statements, LIC/life insurance policy, passport, etc.
Income proof: firm/factory establishment certificate, trade license, SEBI certificate, SSI registration, PAN card, VAT registration, sales tax and deed receipt, factory registration certificate, partnership deed, etc.
Property-related documents: allotment letter, complete chain of property, payment receipt, sale agreement, etc.
Proof of category (if applicable): SC/ST/OBC/Minority certificate
Consent form for Aadhaar-linked bank account for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

Application process for PMAY:

The application process for the PMAY scheme varies slightly between the urban and rural categories, but the general steps are as follows:

Identify your eligibility category (EWS, LIG, MIG I, or MIG II).
Visit the official PMAY website (pmaymis.gov.in) and click on the “Citizen Assessment” option.
Select the appropriate category and enter your Aadhaar details.
Fill out the online application form and submit it along with the required documents.
Track the status of your application on the PMAY website.

Once the application is approved, the beneficiary can avail of the benefits of the PMAY scheme, which include a subsidy on home loans, assistance for the construction or enhancement of their house, and access to affordable housing units.

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