In a move towards targeted development, around 53,000 impoverished tribals spread across eight districts in Andhra Pradesh are set to receive free houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme. This initiative primarily focuses on uplifting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) residing in the State. The official launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for January 15, following the sanctioning of houses on January 10.
The PMAY-G scheme has identified 98 mandals in eight tribal districts to implement this
welfare programme. The mission aims to address 11 critical interventions through nine ministries, with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, GoI serving as the Nodal Department at the national level and the Department of Tribal Welfare as the Nodal Department at the State level. In Andhra Pradesh, 12 PVTG sub-castes out of a total of 75 across the country are covered under the PM JANMAN Scheme. Among the 11 critical interventions, the provision of pucca houses under PMAY-G is a key initiative. A total of 4.9 lakh beneficiaries will receive pucca Houses under PMAY Gramin, with a unit cost of Rs 2.39 lakh. The programme targets providing sturdy houses to PVTG households currently living in ‘Kutcha ‘houses from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
The data for Andhra Pradesh reveals that the scheme will cover eight districts, namely Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitaramaraju, Eluru, Palnadu, Prakasam, and Nandyal. This will encompass 98 mandals, 1,041 Gram Panchayats, and benefit 52,907 households. Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) in Seethampeta, Parvathipuram, Paderu, Rampachodavaram, Chintur, KR Puram, and Srisailam will be involved in the implementation.
The officials reported that the survey and identification of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) households commenced on January 5. The finalisation of eligible PVTG households and the registration of beneficiary details are being carried out through the Awaas Plus survey app, including bank account details. The formal launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set for January 15, following the sanctioning of houses on January 10.
Ajay Jain, Special Chief Secretary of Housing, said that PVTG households have been identified across eight districts, with detailed numbers for each district provided. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to review progress, issue guidelines, and expedite the survey process for the remaining households.
Md Diwan, Special Secretary, and Lakshmi Sha and Siva Prasad, Joint MDs, are actively engaged in coordinating with district-level officers to ensure the success of the PMAY-G scheme.
