The PM Awas Yojana includes economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-income groups. For those in the EWS category, the annual income should be up to Rs. 3 lakh.

Everyone dreams of owning their own permanent home, but in this era of inflation, fulfilling this dream is not easy. Considering this need, the central government is running the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PM Awas Yojana). Under this scheme, urban poor and middle-class families are provided financial assistance to build or buy a house. However, significant changes have now been made to the rules of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban 2.0. So, let's tell you today who receives money under the PM Awas Yojana and what changes have been made to the rules.

When did the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana start?

The urban version of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was launched by the central government on April 1, 2016.  Its second phase, PMAY-U 2.0, was implemented from September 1, 2024. The objective of this phase is to provide permanent houses to families belonging to the EWS, LIG, and MIG categories living in urban areas over the next 5 years.

Who receives money under the PM Awas Yojana?

The PM Awas Yojana includes economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-income groups. For those in the EWS category, the annual income should be up to Rs. 3 lakh, for low-income groups up to Rs. 6 lakh, and for middle-income groups up to Rs. 9 lakh. Under this scheme, beneficiaries are provided assistance of up to Rs. 2.5 lakh for building a house. Of this, Rs. 1.5 lakh is provided by the central government and Rs. 1 lakh by the state government. There is also a provision for interest subsidy of up to Rs. 1.8 lakh. Slum dwellers, street vendors, and working women are given priority under this scheme.

What major changes have been made to the rules? The government has now clarified that only those who owned land before August 31, 2024, will be eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PM Housing Scheme). Those who purchased or registered land after this date will not receive the financial assistance for house construction. It is also mandatory that the land be located in a residential area. Land outside residential areas will not be eligible for the PM Housing Scheme benefits. Furthermore, an eligibility certificate is now required to receive funds under the PM Housing Scheme. Applicants must register on the scheme's official portal. After registration, a team from the municipal corporation or local body will conduct a physical verification. The certificate will be issued only after the verification is found to be satisfactory, and the funds will be disbursed in four installments based on this certificate.

What documents will be required?

To prove eligibility, applicants must demonstrate that they were residing at the location before the specified date. Documents such as electricity or water bills dated before August 31, 2024, municipal property tax receipts, or documents showing their name in the old voter list may be required. The government is also conducting verification through geo-tagging and satellite imagery.