The dream of owning a permanent house is still distant for many rural families. To fulfil this, both the Central and State Governments have taken strong steps to provide housing to the rural poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme. Since its launch in 2016, the PMAY-G has brought major relief to thousands of families by providing financial support for constructing pucca houses.
In Odisha alone, over 28.25 lakh houses have been sanctioned and more than 23 lakh have already been built.
To further improve the coverage and ensure that no deserving family is left behind, the Odisha Government has announced a new survey under the PMAY-G scheme. This time, the process is more flexible, inclusive, and transparent.
What’s New in This Survey?
Here are the major updates in the new PMAY-G survey in Odisha:
- Relaxed eligibility norms: Families owning a 2-wheeler, refrigerator, or landline phone can now apply.
- Income limit increased: Monthly family income eligibility raised from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000.
- Self-survey through mobile app: Applicants can now fill in their details via the Awas Plus app.
- Workshops in Panchayats: Local training sessions will be organised to guide people through the process.
- Special focus on vulnerable groups: Priority given to PwDs, widows, elderly, homeless, and third-gender persons.
Who Will Benefit From This Survey?
The new survey aims to identify those still living in kutcha houses or temporary shelters. Special attention will be given to:
- Families who were missed in earlier surveys
- Families now living separately from their main family unit
- Individuals with disabilities
- Third gender individuals
- Widows and the elderly
- Landless families
Also Read | Antyodaya Gruha Yojana: Complete Details
Survey Process: Step-by-Step Overview
Self-Survey via Awas Plus App
The biggest change is that the beneficiaries can now conduct their own survey using the Awas Plus mobile application.
Block-Level Representatives
While self-survey is encouraged, appointed officials will still visit villages to:
- Survey people living in kutcha houses
- Help those who cannot access the mobile app
- Collect data from all family members
These representatives will also:
- Check and update documents (Aadhaar, job card, bank passbook, etc.)
- Take iris scan and facial photo via app
- Link data with Aadhaar and bank account
Use of Technology in the Survey
Technology will play a major role in making the process smoother and more efficient:
| Feature | Description |
| Awas Plus App | Used for both self-survey and by field officers |
| AR (Augmented Reality) | Beneficiaries can see a 3D view of the house layout |
| Biometric Scanning | Iris and face photo will be collected to verify identity |
| Real-Time Updates | Information will be uploaded instantly to the government database |
House Layout Selection
As part of the new process:
- The government has created house designs that are disaster-resistant (cyclone, flood, etc.)
- Surveyors will show these designs to the beneficiaries
- The beneficiaries can choose their preferred layout
How to Apply Using the Awas Plus App?
Here is a detailed process to apply for PMAY-G via the Awas Plus mobile app:
- Sign up or Log in to the app
- Select your block, panchayat, and village
- Enter the head of the family’s details
- Fill in the information of all family members
- Complete e-KYC
- Add bank account details
- Upload photos of the old house and land for new construction
- Choose a house layout
- Accept the declaration and confirm the details
- Save and upload the data
Timeline of the Survey
- 30 days after the survey, A List of registered beneficiaries will be published at the Panchayat office.
- Every 15 days, Updates will be made for newly added families.
- After the final list, names will be publicly displayed at the Panchayat office, Anganwadi Centres, and Government Schools.
Objection Process
If anyone finds that an undeserving person has been added to the list, they can raise a complaint through these methods:
- Drop a note in the Objection Box at the Panchayat or Block Office
- Call the Toll-Free Number
- Submit a complaint on the Rural Housing (RH) Portal
A 3-member team will physically verify the site and take necessary action. If the complaint is valid, a new survey will be conducted within 2 months.
Landless Families & Mason Training
- Landless beneficiaries will have their details updated in the Awas app
- If someone is interested in mason training, it will also be noted in the app
Who Will Be the Beneficiary?
- As per the new rules, the female head of the family will be the main beneficiary
- If there’s no senior woman, block-level representatives will decide after discussion with the family
Why This Survey Is Important?
This new survey is a major step forward to ensure every eligible rural family gets a safe and durable home. It makes the process:
- More transparent
- Easier to access
- Inclusive of real deserving families
With the updated rules, technology involvement, and ground-level monitoring, Odisha is setting a strong example in housing welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply if I already have a two-wheeler or fridge?
Yes. The new rules allow families with a two-wheeler, refrigerator, or landline to apply.
2. What is the new income limit for eligibility?
Families earning up to ₹15,000 per month can apply under the new guidelines.
3. Is it necessary to apply through the mobile app?
While the self-survey via the Awas Plus app is encouraged, field officers will also assist in the survey.
4. Who will be considered the main beneficiary?
The female head of the family will be the main beneficiary. If not available, local officials will decide.
5. How will I know if my name is in the final list?
The final beneficiary list will be displayed in public places like the Panchayat office and schools after the survey is complete.