Bihar Awaits Central Clearance for Massive PMAY Housing Initiative
In a significant development for rural housing in Bihar, Rural Development Department (RDD) Minister Shrawan Kumar on Tuesday informed the state legislative assembly that the construction of permanent pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for 1.04 crore identified families is currently in the pipeline. The minister emphasized that implementation will commence immediately once the central government grants its formal approval for the ambitious project.
Details Submitted to Centre, Approval Awaited
"The comprehensive details of the 1.04 crore families designated for pucca house construction under PMAY have been formally submitted to the Centre. We are now awaiting clearance from the central authorities to begin implementation," Minister Kumar stated during his address to the House. He further revealed that approximately 20 lakh families have already submitted online applications for housing assistance under the PMAY scheme, demonstrating substantial public interest and need.
The minister's statements came during discussions surrounding the government's demand for grants totaling Rs 23,701.17 crore allocated to the Rural Development Department for the 2026-27 financial year. A cut motion had been introduced by RJD member Rahul Kumar to initiate debate on the allocation. Following a walkout by opposition members, the House ultimately passed the demand through voice vote.
Multiple Housing Initiatives Underway
Responding to queries regarding housing for the rural poor, Kumar provided detailed information about multiple ongoing initiatives. In the 2024-25 period, the Centre allocated 12.19 lakh pucca houses under PMAY for Bihar. Additionally, construction of houses for 91,000 families who were previously excluded from PMAY benefits has been undertaken under the state's own Chief Minister Awas Yojana (CMAY).
The minister announced several complementary schemes to address various housing challenges:
- Chief Minister Sthal Kray Yojana: This initiative provides Rs 1.20 lakh to landless individuals specifically for purchasing five dismil of land, thereby enabling them to construct permanent pucca houses on their own property.
- House Replacement Program: Construction is underway for 41,000 families who originally received houses under the Indira Awas Yojana before 2010. These structures have become old and dilapidated over time, necessitating replacement with new, durable housing.
Revised MGNREGA Format and Viksit Bharat Alignment
Kumar outlined significant changes to employment guarantee schemes, noting that implementation under the revised VB-G-RAM-G format of the earlier Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will commence from April 1. Local schemes will be specifically designed to align with the Centre's broader vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), ensuring coordinated development efforts across multiple levels of governance.
The minister explained that works under the VB-G-RAM-G framework will be strategically scheduled during non-rainy seasons. This approach ensures rural workers remain available for crucial agricultural activities during the 60-day monsoon period when farming demands peak labor participation.
"Biometric and other advanced digital methods will be systematically applied to track work implementation by laborers under the new format," Kumar added, highlighting the integration of technology for enhanced transparency and accountability in scheme execution.
Women's Employment Scheme Achievements and Controversies
In related developments, Minister Kumar informed the assembly about substantial progress under the Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MRY). The government has distributed approximately Rs 18,000 crore among 1.81 crore women beneficiaries at the rate of Rs 10,000 per individual under this employment scheme for women.
"Another installment of financial assistance, potentially totaling up to Rs 2 lakh, will be disbursed to beneficiaries following assessment of their business and economic activities," the minister clarified regarding future distributions.
Kumar also addressed political controversies surrounding the scheme, criticizing opposition parties for allegedly spreading misinformation about MRY. He indicated that the department might initiate its own inquiry into allegations that money was extracted from families during surveys conducted by opposition parties in connection with women-focused schemes announced by those political groups.
The comprehensive housing and development initiatives outlined by Minister Kumar represent a multi-faceted approach to addressing rural infrastructure needs, employment generation, and women's economic empowerment across Bihar, pending crucial central government approvals for the largest components of these programs.
