22 lakh PMAY-Gramin houses completed in Assam; 2 lakh more in next 100 days

Assam has completed the construction of 22 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and aims to build another two lakh homes within the next 100 days, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora said on July 13.

Speaking to reporters, Bora said the state expects additional allocations under the central housing scheme.

"We have already completed 22 lakh PMAY-Gramin houses till today, and we plan to complete another two lakh within 100 days," he said.

The minister said the Centre has responded positively to Assam's request for additional housing units, particularly after the state government's decision to grant land ownership rights to 3.5 lakh tea garden workers.

"We are expecting more allocations, and they have agreed to give more houses because the Assam government has decided to grant land deeds (pattas) to 3,50,000 tea garden workers. We decided to provide them with PMAY houses as well," Bora said.

To address the shortage of skilled workers for rural housing construction, the state launched the Lakhimi Mistri scheme, which trains women in masonry and construction work.

According to Bora, 5,000 women have already been trained under the programme, while another 5,000 are set to undergo training.

He added that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also announced uniforms for Lakhimi Mistris to support and recognise their role in the state's rural housing mission.