In 1985, the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi introduced a housing facility, IAY scheme (Indira Gandhi Awas Yojana scheme), for the economically backward section of the society. It is one of the country’s first housing schemes initiated by the Central Government for Indians.
The main objective of this scheme was to provide pucca houses to the people that were below the poverty line (BPL). However, this scheme has been renamed the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana scheme.
What is the IAY scheme?
Simply put, this scheme aims to provide pucca houses to homeless people or those spending their lives in a kutcha house.
This was done in collaboration with the State and Central Governments to rapidly construct pucca houses or living units around the country for the below-poverty line population in rural India.
The Government worked towards not just providing houses under this IAY scheme, but also extended benefits for the widows and closed relatives of defence personnel killed in action.
Important features of the Indira Gandhi Awas Yojana
Some of the important features are mention below:
- The funds allocate were release in instalments-
- 25% of the total unit cost was provide as the first instalment on the Awas Divas along with the sanction letter.
- 60% of the fund is pay as second instalment after the completion of the first stage.
- The final instalment is release after the complete construction. The remaining 15% was provide to the beneficiary.
- Any home construct under this scheme was jointly held by both husband and wife, exceptions being unmarried, divorced, and widows.
- Only the beneficiary had to carry out the construction. Involvement of external contractor agency weren’t permissible. In such cases, the Government could cancel the fund provided. Nevertheless, beneficiaries could seek assistance from NGOs, youth clubs, etc.
- Every unit constructed under this scheme had to promote sustainable and eco-friendly modes.
What were the main benefits of IAY scheme?
Beneficiaries could avail the following benefits from this scheme, which included:
- The houses constructed under this scheme were designe based on the beneficiary’s requirements.
- Aimed to utilise local materials for construction purposes that would last atleast 30 years.
- Promoted use of eco-friendly sustainable materials for construction techniques, boosting employment.
- Supported construction of homes with workplace provision.
How to apply for Indira Gandhi Awas yojana?
Individuals could register themselves for this scheme through the following process:
1: First, visit the official website of PMAY Portal.
2: Enter the necessary details.
3: Provide Aadhaar card details and click ‘search’.
4: Find your name and click on ‘select to register.
5: After doing the above process, enter all other information and upload a consent form.
6: Provide bank detail or saving account information.
7: If availing of home loan, click on yes, then enter the desired amount.
8: Finally, enter the MGNREGA and SBMG numbers to complete the whole process.
India is a developing country with a population of around 1.30 billion people. However, millions of people still live below the poverty line with no proper houses and sanitisation facilities.
This scheme aimed to provide pucca houses to the below-poverty line rural population of India and provide employment opportunities.
However, in 2016 the name of Indira Gandhi Awas Yojana change to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana scheme. However, urban citizens can also avail affordable housing under the present scheme via a home loan interest subsidy.
This is a benefit that customers can enjoy when opting for a home loan from a reputed financial institution extending pre-approved offers. Such offers are also applicable to loans against property, etc., streamlining and making application procedures hassle-free. Customers can check their pre-approved offers online by entering their name and contact details.
Overall the IAY scheme was an ambitious project of the Central Government mainly focusing on issues such as poor living conditions, improper sanitisation, etc.
