The PM Awas Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016, aims to provide permanent housing to millions of poor families in India.
Since its inception, the scheme has significantly improved housing conditions for underprivileged families, and the work continues to benefit many.
However, to curb fraud and malpractices within the scheme, the central government has introduced new rules.
These changes ensure that only genuinely needy individuals benefit from the initiative, preventing misuse of the scheme.
New Rules to Address Misuse
The government has taken strict action to address the misuse of the PM Awas Yojana:
Hefty Penalties: Individuals who have illegally acquired permanent houses under the scheme will now face heavy fines.
Special Surveys: Surveys are being conducted to identify ineligible beneficiaries. Those identified must provide complete details about their housing to their nearest government office.
These measures aim to ensure that only eligible families benefit and prevent similar fraud in the future.
Reasons Behind the New Rules
The new rules were implemented to address various concerns:
Collecting Fees from Ineligible Beneficiaries: Those who wrongfully received houses must pay penalties.
Alerting Ineligible Individuals: Punishing wrongdoers with fines to discourage fraudulent activities.
Focusing on Needy Families: Ensuring the benefits reach deserving families only.
Penalties for Fraudulent Housing Claims
According to the new guidelines, individuals who have wrongly benefited from the scheme will face the following consequences:
Double Penalty: They may have to pay double the financial assistance they received for the house.
Legal Action: Failure to pay the fine on time may lead to additional legal actions, including imprisonment for up to two years.
