Abua Awas Yojana Features, Objectives, and Benefits

The Abua Awas Yojana is a housing scheme launched by the Government of Jharkhand with the aim of providing pucca houses to homeless and underprivileged families in the state. The scheme is a step toward ensuring affordable and permanent housing for vulnerable populations, particularly those who were not covered under central government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

The initiative was officially launched in late 2023 by former Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and its implementation spans the period 2023-24 to 2025-26. The government aims to provide housing to 8,00,000 families in three phases, with a total budget allocation of ₹16,320 crore.

Who are the beneficiaries of the Abua Awas Yojana?

The Abua Awas Yojana prioritizes vulnerable and underprivileged families. The key eligibility criteria include:

  • Families living in kutcha houses or without permanent housing.
  • Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
  • Victims of natural calamities.
  • Released bonded laborers.
  • Families who have not benefited from other housing schemes such as PMAY-R, Indira Awas Yojana, or Birsa Awas Yojana.

What are the specifications of houses under the scheme?

Each house constructed under the Abua Awas Yojana follows a standardized design to ensure quality and comfort:

  • Floor area: 31 square meters
  • Rooms: Three rooms plus a kitchen
  • Construction type: Pucca (permanent) houses

Why was the Abua Awas Yojana introduced?

The scheme addresses a critical gap in housing coverage in Jharkhand. Despite the implementation of central schemes like PMAY, many families remained homeless or living in kutcha houses. By introducing a state-funded initiative, the Jharkhand government ensures:

  • Timely housing provision for neglected groups
  • Financial and labor support to construct homes
  • Improvement in living conditions, sanitation, and overall quality of life

The scheme also plays a role in poverty alleviation and socio-economic development.

How is the Abua Awas Yojana implemented?

The scheme is implemented by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Jharkhand, with a phased approach:

  • Phase 1: Construction of 2 lakh houses
  • Phase 2 & 3: Remaining houses, completing a total of 8 lakh units

What is the phased approach of the scheme?

The Abua Awas Yojana is being implemented in three phases:

  1. Phase 1 (2023-24 to 2024): Construction of 2 lakh houses.
  2. Phase 2: Construction of the next set of houses, focusing on remaining eligible families.
  3. Phase 3: Completion of the total 8 lakh houses, achieving the scheme’s target.

How much budget has been allocated for the Abua Awas Yojana?

The government has allocated ₹16,320 crore for the scheme, with an estimated ₹2,00,000 per beneficiary. The first phase alone involves spending over ₹15,000 crore for 2 lakh houses. This fund covers:

  • Construction costs
  • Labor wages under MGNREGA
  • Administrative and monitoring expenses

How much financial assistance is provided under the scheme?

The Abua Awas Yojana provides financial support to beneficiaries in two ways:

  1. Direct financial assistance: ₹2,00,000 per beneficiary for house construction.
  2. Labor support: Up to 95 days of unskilled labor wages under MGNREGA, helping families contribute to building their own homes.

How does Abua Awas differ from PMAY?

While Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a central government initiative aiming to provide housing for urban and rural poor across India, the Abua Awas Yojana is a state-funded program by Jharkhand.

FeaturePMAYAbua Awas Yojana
Launch20152023
ScopeNationalJharkhand only
FundingCentral & state sharingState-funded
TargetEconomically weaker sections (urban & rural)Homeless, vulnerable & underprivileged families not covered under PMAY
House DesignVaries (EWS/LIG/MIG)Standardized 3-room + kitchen, 31 sq. m

How does the scheme support labor and employment?

One of the key features of the Abua Awas Yojana is the integration of MGNREGA support:

  • Each beneficiary family can avail of 95 days of unskilled labor wages.
  • This encourages participation in the construction process, providing both employment and a sense of ownership.
  • It strengthens the rural economy and aligns with the government’s vision of inclusive development.

What is the impact of the Abua Awas Yojana on society?

The scheme is expected to have a significant social and economic impact:

  • Housing for the homeless improves health, safety, and security.
  • Financial assistance reduces poverty and ensures stability.
  • Empowerment of marginalized groups like tribals, Dalits, and farmers.
  • Skill development through labor participation.
  • Boost to rural infrastructure with the construction of pucca houses.

How can eligible families apply for the Abua Awas Yojana?

The application process is streamlined for rural beneficiaries:

  • Visit the Department of Rural Development, Jharkhand or local panchayat office.
  • Provide documents proving eligibility, such as:
    • Proof of residence in kutcha house or homelessness
    • Identification of being part of PVTG, victim of calamity, or released bonded laborer
    • Income and family certificates
  • Beneficiaries selected undergo verification before funds and labor support are sanctioned.

How does the government ensure transparency in the scheme?

Transparency is a key focus of the Abua Awas Yojana:

  • Strict monitoring of construction progress in each phase
  • Action against officers involved in irregularities or negligence
  • Public disclosure of beneficiaries and their progress
  • Integration with digital portals for monitoring and reporting

Key Takeaway Table

AspectDetails
Launch Year2023
Implementing BodyDepartment of Rural Development, Jharkhand
Target BeneficiariesHomeless, underprivileged, PVTG, calamity victims, released bonded laborers
Total Houses8,00,000
Budget₹16,320 crore
House Size31 sq. meters, 3 rooms + kitchen
Financial Assistance₹2,00,000 per house
Labor Support95 days under MGNREGA
ImplementationThree phases
GoalProvide pucca houses and improve living standards

Questions asked in Bank, SSC and other Government Exams on Abua Awas Yojana

  1. When was the Abua Awas Yojana launched?
    • A) 2020
    • B) 2023
    • C) 2015
    • D) 2021
    • E) 2018
  2. How many houses are planned under Abua Awas Yojana?
    • A) 1,00,000
    • B) 5,00,000
    • C) 8,00,000
    • D) 10,00,000
    • E) 2,00,000
  3. What is the financial assistance provided per house?
    • A) ₹1,00,000
    • B) ₹2,00,000
    • C) ₹1,50,000
    • D) ₹2,50,000
    • E) ₹3,00,000
  4. Who implements the scheme?
    • A) Ministry of Housing
    • B) Department of Rural Development, Jharkhand
    • C) PMAY
    • D) Local NGOs
    • E) Ministry of Finance
  5. How many rooms are there in each Abua Awas house?
    • A) 2
    • B) 3
    • C) 4
    • D) 5
    • E) 1
Q.NoAnswer
1B
2C
3B
4B
5B
  1. Which groups are prioritized?
    • A) Middle-income urban families
    • B) Economically weaker sections of cities
    • C) Vulnerable and underprivileged families
    • D) Business owners
    • E) Government employees
  2. How many phases are in the scheme?
    • A) 1
    • B) 2
    • C) 3
    • D) 4
    • E) 5
  3. What is the floor area of each house?
    • A) 25 sq. m
    • B) 31 sq. m
    • C) 35 sq. m
    • D) 40 sq. m
    • E) 50 sq. m
  4. How many days of unskilled labor support are provided under MGNREGA?
    • A) 60
    • B) 75
    • C) 95
    • D) 100
    • E) 120
  5. What is the total budget allocated for the Abua Awas Yojana?
    • A) ₹10,000 crore
    • B) ₹12,000 crore
    • C) ₹16,320 crore
    • D) ₹18,000 crore
    • E) ₹20,000 crore
Q.NoAnswer
1C
2C
3B
4C
5C

Also Check:

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Pradhanmantri Suryodaya YojanaMahtari Vandana Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana YojanaPradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima YojanaPradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana