Patna/Munger: The names of beneficiaries who already own permanent houses will be removed from the list of the Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana (Gramin) in parts of Bihar, officials said on Tuesday, as the government steps up scrutiny to ensure the scheme reaches the poorest households.
The decision was announced during a review meeting of housing scheme staff held at the block office auditorium in Tetia Bambar, Munger district, chaired by block development officer (BDO) Nisha Rai. Officials were instructed to verify beneficiary details and revise lists through village-level checks.
Rai said that beneficiaries who either already possess a permanent house or have previously completed house construction would be deemed ineligible and removed from the scheme’s rolls. “The objective of the housing programme is to provide permanent shelter to families who are homeless or living in temporary dwellings,” she said. “Extending benefits to ineligible households defeats the purpose of the scheme.”
Verification will be carried out through gram sabhas, with local housing assistants directed to conduct surveys in their respective panchayats and submit reports to the block office. The revised lists will then be finalised based on the findings. Officials also said that beneficiaries whose houses have already been completed would receive the remaining instalments of financial assistance without delay. Those causing unnecessary delays in construction may be issued notices, the BDO added.
Emphasis was also placed on maintaining construction quality, with housing assistants asked to carry out regular inspections and submit progress reports to avoid future complaints.
The meeting was attended by housing assistants, including Piyush Kumar and Tarun Pandit, among others. Rai concluded the review by stressing transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.
