PATNA: On Tuesday, Rural Development Department (RDD) Minister Shrawan Kumar presented to the state assembly that the construction of pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is slated for 1.04 crore families identified through a survey, pending approval from the Centre.
“The list of the 1.04 crore families eligible for pucca houses under PMAY has been sent to the Centre, and we are currently awaiting their clearance,” Kumar stated, noting that 20 lakh families have already applied online for housing under PMAY.
Kumar responded to the government’s appeal for a grant of Rs 23,701.17 crore for the RDD for the 2026-27 fiscal year, which prompted a cut motion from RJD member Rahul Kumar for debate. The House passed the demand by voice vote amid an opposition walkout.
Discussing housing for the rural poor, Kumar highlighted that during 2024–25, the Centre allocated 12.19 lakh pucca houses under PMAY, along with initiatives to construct homes for 91,000 families not included in PMAY under the Chief Minister Awas Yojana (CMAY).
Additionally, the state has initiated the Chief Minister Sthal Kray Yojana, providing Rs 1.20 lakh for purchasing five dismil of land for landless individuals, allowing them to build pucca houses. Kumar mentioned that houses are also being constructed for 41,000 families who received assistance under the Indira Awas Yojana before 2010 but require replacements due to the aging and deterioration of their structures.
Implementation of revised schemes under VB-G-RAM-G format will commence from April 1, with local initiatives designed to align with the Centre’s vision of Viksit Bharat. These works under VB-G-RAM-G will be scheduled during the non-rainy season to ensure rural workers are available for agricultural activities for 60 days during monsoon.
Kumar further elaborated that biometric and digital tracking methods will be utilized to monitor the implementation of work by laborers under the new format.
He informed the assembly that the government has disbursed Rs 18,000 crore to 1.81 crore women at the rate of Rs 10,000 per beneficiary under the Mahila Rojgar Yojana. “A subsequent installment, totaling up to Rs 2 lakh, will be provided following the assessment of their business and economic activities,” he stated.
Kumar also criticized opposition parties for allegedly spreading misinformation about the MRY scheme, mentioning that the department may conduct its own investigation into claims of financial exploitation during surveys conducted by opposition members related to women’s schemes.
