Goa's Rural Housing Project Delivers 250 Homes Under PMAY
Goa has nearly completed its latest phase of affordable rural housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with 250 out of 254 homes already constructed. Executed at a cost of ₹3.4 crore, the project aims to support eligible rural families with dignified shelter. Authorities confirmed that the remaining four homes are in progress and will be ready in the coming months, marking the state’s near-fulfilment of its PMAY housing commitment.
The state’s housing project under the central PMAY scheme has reached its final stages, with 250 homes delivered to rural beneficiaries. Built at a total cost of ₹3.4 crore, the homes were constructed in various talukas across Goa, using funds shared in a 60:40 ratio between the central and state governments. A senior official associated with the District Rural Development Agency confirmed that all construction followed protocol, with the remaining homes expected to be completed within two to three months. Authorities noted that the current financial outlay has covered essential housing needs but flagged the need for an upward revision in the scheme’s unit cost. Given Goa’s elevated construction costs, experts argue that the current disbursement of ₹1.2 lakh per household is insufficient. They estimate that a basic 50-square-metre house requires at least ₹10 to ₹15 lakh. A survey is also underway to identify more eligible families for the upcoming phase of the scheme.
The rural housing push has directly impacted the lives of vulnerable families living in structurally unsafe homes. According to local authorities, most recipients of the PMAY homes previously resided in mud or semi-permanent structures, particularly vulnerable during the monsoon season. Beneficiaries have reported improvements in living conditions, safety, and hygiene since receiving support under the scheme. Many supplemented the financial aid with personal savings to complete the construction. Experts suggest that while the scheme’s implementation has been largely successful in Goa, housing costs in the state demand a tailored approach that reflects local economic conditions. Calls for increased per-unit funding have grown louder as state authorities aim to meet future demand. The current project serves as a model for rural development and demonstrates the impact of well-monitored, ground-level execution. Authorities plan to use feedback from this phase to inform policy adjustments and future housing allocation strategies.
The near-completion of Goa’s PMAY housing target stands as a significant milestone in rural development. With 250 homes already built and final touches underway for the remaining units, the initiative has delivered much-needed relief to families in housing distress. Authorities are now focused on identifying new beneficiaries for the next financial year, ensuring that access to affordable housing remains a top priority. However, experts emphasise the need to adjust funding norms to reflect Goa’s higher construction costs. The project’s successful rollout offers a foundation for scalable and inclusive rural housing models across the region.