Jharkhand Cabinet Approved ‘Abua Awas Yojana’ Housing Scheme

Current Context: The Jharkhand Cabinet has approved the ‘Abua Awas Yojana’ (AAY), a housing scheme for the poor. The scheme aims to provide eight lakh pucca houses to the homeless in the state, with a total budget of Rs 16,320 crore.

• The scheme will be implemented in three phases, with a target of 2 lakh houses in the current financial year; 3.5 lakh houses in FY 2024-25 and 2.5 lakh houses in FY 2025-26.
• Despite the existence of multiple housing schemes in Jharkhand, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Rural and Ambedkar Awas Yojna, these initiatives have been unable to cover all eligible beneficiaries.
• Therefore, the state decided to create its own housing scheme.
• Under the ‘Abua Awas Yojana’ scheme, beneficiaries will receive a three-room house with one kitchen, covering a total area of 31 sq m2.
• The government has allocated Rs 2 lakh per beneficiary in its budget, disbursed in four installments.
• In comparison, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Rural constructs houses with two rooms and one kitchen, with a provision of Rs 1.2-1.3 lakh per beneficiary.

Question:

Q.1 What is the total budget allocated for the ‘Abua Awas Yojana’ housing scheme?
a. Rs 10,000 crore
b. Rs 20,000 crore
c. Rs 25,000 crore
d. Rs 16,320 crore