Mumbai/Pune, 3 June 2025

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, graced the ‘Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana (PMAY Rural) Beneficiary Gathering’ and ‘MahaAwas Abhiyan State Level Award Distribution Ceremony’ at Balewadi, Pune, today. The event was attended by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar. The dignitaries on the occasion jointly presented awards to outstanding performers under various categories of the PMAY Rural scheme.

In his address, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring a house for every citizen and announced that the state government will provide an additional ₹50,000 for solar panel installation to support sustainable housing under the scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan underscored the transformative potential of the PMAYRural scheme, stating, “The Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana is not merely about fulfilling the dream of owning a house; it is a powerful catalyst for boosting India’s economy. The construction of a house generates income for masons, carpenters, and workers in the cement, iron, pipeline, water connectivity, and electricity sectors.”

Shri Chouhan announced significant updates to the eligibility criteria for PMAY (Rural), aimed at enhancing inclusivity. He highlighted that the earlier restriction excluding applicants owning a two-wheeler vehicle has been waived. Additionally, individuals with a monthly income of up to ₹15,000 are now eligible to benefit from the scheme. A new survey, approved to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left behind, will incorporate these revised criteria to extend the scheme’s reach to more rural households.

The Union Minister also called upon the farmers of Maharashtra to actively participate in the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. He urged them to engage with scientists and researchers visiting villages to learn innovative farming techniques and share their challenges and requirements. “These researchers, working with agrobased research centres, are committed to advancing agricultural practices for the benefit of our farmers,” he added.

The event also featured the Amrut MahaAwas Abhiyan Award Ceremony, recognizing exemplary contributions to the PMAY (Rural) scheme across Maharashtra. The awardees are as follows:

Amrut MahaAwas Abhiyan Award for Best Division (Maharashtra State):

Amrut MahaAwas Abhiyan Award for Best District (Maharashtra State):

Amrut MahaAwas Abhiyan Award for Best Taluka (Maharashtra State):

Amrut MahaAwas Abhiyan Award for Best Grampanchayat (Maharashtra State):

Amrut MahaAwas Abhiyan Award for Best Multistorey Building (Maharashtra State):

Amrut MahaAwas Abhiyan Award for Best Housing Complex (Maharashtra State):

The ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Jaykumar Gore, Minister for Gramvikas and Panchayat Raj, Government of Maharashtra; Shri Murlidhar Mohol and others.

The event reaffirmed the commitment of the Central and State Governments to realizing the vision of ‘Housing for All’ while fostering economic growth and sustainable development in rural India.

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Gathering Press Release