CAG Audit Uncovers Widespread Dual Housing Scheme Benefits in Gujarat
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has issued a critical report highlighting significant violations in housing scheme implementations across Gujarat. The audit flagged numerous cases where individuals improperly availed benefits under more than one government housing program, directly contravening established guidelines.
Violations of PMAY-G Guidelines and Financial Irregularities
According to the CAG findings, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) guidelines explicitly state that households allocated a house under any government scheme should have their names removed from the system-generated priority list of eligible beneficiaries by the gram sabha. However, the audit observed blatant disregard for these rules.
In specific districts such as Jamnagar and Surat, 24 beneficiaries under PMAY-G were also sanctioned houses under PMAY-Urban. Out of these, seven beneficiaries received financial assistance totaling Rs 16.55 lakh under PMAY-U in addition to Rs 3.10 lakh under PMAY-G, constituting a clear violation of scheme protocols.
Extent of the Irregularities Across Multiple Schemes
The audit further revealed that in three out of ten test-checked districts in Gujarat, 713 beneficiaries were sanctioned houses under PMAY-G alongside other central or state-sponsored housing schemes designed for rural areas. Among these, 532 beneficiaries were found to have received dual financial assistance, amounting to Rs 211.70 lakh under PMAY-G and Rs 240.42 lakh under other housing schemes. This widespread practice underscores systemic lapses in monitoring and enforcement.
Government Response and Planned Actions
In response to the audit findings, the government has acknowledged the facts and committed to taking corrective measures. As of March 2025, officials stated that all identified cases would undergo thorough verification. Appropriate actions will be initiated to recover the excess financial assistance disbursed, aiming to rectify the irregularities and ensure compliance with housing scheme guidelines moving forward.
The CAG report serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent oversight in public welfare programs to prevent misuse and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries without duplication or fraud.
