The Government of India launched the Indira Awaas Yojana in 1985 to provide housing solutions to the homeless across the country.
Purpose of Indira Awaas Yojana
The primary purpose of the Indira Awaas Yojana is to provide suitable living dwellings for people across the length and breadth of the country. It aims to fulfill this by providing financial assistance to the weaker sections of the community, ensuring they have sufficient funds to build a house for themselves. Through this scheme, the government hopes to have permanent houses in all towns and villages of the country by 2017.
Eligibility Criteria
Financial assistance under this scheme can be availed by the following individuals.
- Members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
- Members belonging to minorities
- Members who fall below the poverty line
- Widows
- Family members of defence personnel who lost their during lives in action
- Ex-servicemen/women and members of the paramilitary forces
Financial Assistance
Eligible individuals can avail financial assistance to the tune of Rs 75,000 under this scheme. Those living in plains can avail Rs 70,000 while those residing in difficult terrains are entitled Rs 75,000. It is the responsibility of the beneficiary to get the house constructed with this amount and the use of contractors is prohibited.
Implementation of Indira Awaas Yojana
Since its inception, Indira Awaas Yojana has helped millions in the country. A total of over 25 million houses have been constructed in the last 20 years, providing shelter to millions. The government hopes to increase this number in the coming years, eliminating the problem of rural housing in the country.
