Assam man's struggle for PMAY house sheds light on the gap in grassroots-level implementation

In Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon district, the plight of Ganesh Rai, a daily wage laborer from Bamungaon under Barigao panchayat, has been unable to secure a Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) home despite repeated attempts. His family of 4 resides in a dilapidated house.

Expressing his frustration, Ganesh Rai said, "I have applied to the panchayat several times for a house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, but I have been deprived each time." The lack of adequate housing adds to the challenges faced by the family, already struggling to make ends meet.

The case of Ganesh Rai sheds light on the gap between government schemes and their implementation at the grassroots level. 

"I have applied for the PMAY homes 3-4 years back. But I haven't been availed with the scheme benefit yet", says Ganesh.

Nalini Rai, the wife of Ganesh Rai said, "we don't even have electricity. We are in need of the house. Four people including the pigs stay in one room and we cook in that room only".

It raises questions about the efficacy of programs designed to uplift the poor and marginalized. Despite seven decades since India gained independence, Ganesh Rai's family continues to live without a Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) home.

As Ganesh Rai's family continues to wait for a roof over their heads, the spotlight is on when the state government will address their plight and fulfill their housing needs.