Affordable housing scheme to be launched for middle class, slum, chawl residents: FM Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Interim Budget 2024 in the Lok Sabha, at Parliament House on February 1, 2024. (PTI Photo)

In the Interim Budget presentation on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government is set to roll out a comprehensive scheme targeting affordable housing for the middle class, emphasised commitment to addressing rural housing needs, and announced the extension of the Ayushmann Bharat scheme to include all ASHA and Anganwadi workers.

A notable aspect of today's budget was the spotlight on the roof-top solarisation scheme initiated by Prime Minister Modi. Sitharaman also shared the government's achievements in poverty alleviation, with 25 crore people liberated from poverty over the past decade.

The budget also mentioned a significant increase in the real rate of return on investments between 2014 and 2023, attributing the growth to effective inflation management strategies implemented during this period.

New affordable housing scheme set to roll out

Sitharaman revealed that the government is gearing up to launch a scheme focused on providing affordable housing for the middle class. This initiative aims to assist the middle class currently residing in rented houses, slums, chawls, or unauthorised colonies to realise their dream of homeownership.

"The Government will launch a scheme to help deserving sections of the middle class living in rented houses, slums, chawls or unauthorised colonies to buy or build their own house," affirmed Sitharaman.

Two crore houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin

The minister also highlighted the government's commitment to addressing the housing needs of rural India. The FM announced the construction of an additional two crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin, showcasing the government's dedication to providing quality housing for those living in rural areas.

Extension of Ayushmann Bharat scheme

The Ayushmann Bharat scheme, focused on enhancing healthcare accessibility, will now be extended to include all ASHA and Anganwadi workers. This expansion ensures that frontline health workers receive comprehensive healthcare coverage, acknowledging their vital role in grassroots healthcare delivery.

Roof-top Solarisation scheme

Sitharaman highlighted the recently announced roof-top solarisation scheme initiated by Prime Minister Modi. Under this scheme, approximately one crore households are expected to benefit from up to 300 units of free electricity every month. The Finance Minister emphasised that this initiative aligns with the Prime Minister's commitment, coinciding with the historic day of the consecration of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Also Read: Women's economic empowerment takes center stage in Interim Budget; Lakhpati Didi scheme expanded to 3 cr women

"Through roof-top solarisation, 1 crore households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity every month. This scheme follows the resolve of the Prime Minister on the historic day of the consecration of Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya," said FM Sitharaman.

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Garib Ka Kalyan, Desh Ka Kalyan

Sitharaman underscored the government's achievements in poverty alleviation, stating that over the past decade, the government has helped 25 crore people break free from poverty.

Real rate of return soars 50% due to inflation management

Sitharaman said there was a notable 50 percent surge in the real rate of return on investments between 2014 and 2023, attributing this increase primarily to the implementation of effective inflation management strategies.