PATNA: A delay in the establishment of a Single Nodal Agency (SNA) account by Bihar’s Finance Department has left the Rural Development Department in a challenging position. The construction of over 9.16 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) may not commence within this financial year, officials have reported.
The Union Rural Development Ministry has mandated the implementation of the SNA SPARSH module beginning in 2026-27 for an additional 37 schemes, including PMAY(G).
The state Finance Department has not yet integrated AwaasSoft, a web-based management system for rural housing, with the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). This integration is essential for launching the module in Bihar.
Of the Rs 4,500 crore sanctioned to revive stalled rural housing projects, the Rural Development Department needs at least Rs 3,000 crore to distribute to scheme beneficiaries.
Rural Development Minister Shrawon Kumar stated, “We have urged the Finance Department to expedite the SNA SPARSH module implementation, but our requests have not been fruitful. If funding is delayed, demolished houses for new constructions may remain unbuilt.”
In response to an unstarred question from RJD MLC Saurabh Kumar during the ongoing Budget session, the minister mentioned that the Centre had allocated Rs 91 crore in January upon the state government’s request.
“We have asked for additional funds from the Centre by March 31,” he added.
Saurabh Kumar highlighted that of the 12.08 lakh houses approved under PMAY(G) in Bihar, only 2.91 lakh have been completed, leaving 9.16 lakh still pending. He inquired if the delay stemmed from the non-release of Central funds over the previous five months.
Kumar acknowledged a “some delay” from the Finance Department, but noted that he had met with the Union Rural Development Minister and secured the Rs 91 crore tranche. He reaffirmed the request for more funds before the financial year ends.
Each beneficiary under the scheme is entitled to Rs 1.20 lakh, distributed in three installments. According to departmental records, from 2024-25 to 2025-26, the first installment was released for 11,35,835 houses, the second for 7,47,366 houses, and the third for 3,26,950 houses.
