Assam took a major step towards achieving universal rural housing when Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a massive Statewide distribution drive of approvals under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G). Under the initiative, approval letters were issued to 3,25,234 eligible families across the State, along with the release of the first instalment of financial assistance for construction of permanent houses.
Addressing a large public gathering at Boko, the Chief Minister described the day as a significant milestone in Assam’s journey towards ensuring dignified housing for all rural families, “Across Assam, more than three lakh beneficiaries will receive their approval letters today. Along with this, the first instalment of funds is also being released so that construction can begin without delay,” Sarma announced.
Recounting the evolution of Assam’s rural housing programme, the Chief Minister pointed to Narendra Modi’s visit to the State on May 19, 2022, as a decisive moment. “That visit was the turning point for Assam’s PMAY-G implementation,” he said, adding, “After the Prime Minister’s visit, we distributed five lakh houses across the State. Subsequently, in May, approval letters were handed over to another two lakh beneficiaries.”
According to the Chief Minister, the State has since worked systematically to clear the long-pending backlog under the rural housing scheme, “Through the house warming programme, we have completed all pending instalments. We have cleared the entire waiting list under PMAY-G,” he stated, adding that the Government’s focus has been on ensuring that no eligible family remains without a roof over their head due to procedural delays.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the momentum gained in 2025, noting that on March 19, a large-scale distribution of approval letters was held in Guwahati. “Lakhs of beneficiaries received approvals earlier this year as well. Today’s programme further strengthens our resolve to expand rural housing and improve living standards in every corner of Assam,” he said.
For beneficiaries, the approvals represent more than just paperwork; they symbolise long-awaited security and dignity, “We have been living in a kuchha house for years, repairing it every monsoon. However, with this approval letter and the first instalment, I can finally start building a permanent home for my family. It feels like a dream coming true,” said Rajib Das, a beneficiary from Kamrup.
Similarly, Sunita Bora, a widow and beneficiary from North Lakhimpur, said the scheme has brought her renewed hope. “After my husband passed away, building a house seemed impossible. Now with the Government’s support. I can build a safe home for my children and live without fear during the rains.”
Praising Prime Minister Modi’s broader welfare agenda, Dr. Sarma said the housing programme is part of an integrated effort to uplift rural households. “Modiji has given homes to the poor, supported farmers through the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, and strengthened the Orunodoi scheme. Together, these programmes are transforming lives across Assam.”
With over 3.25 lakh new approvals now issued, the Assam Government aims to move closer to its goal of ensuring that every eligible rural family has access to a permanent, disaster-resilient home. As foundations are laid and walls begin to rise across villages, the PMAY-G drive is not only reshaping Assam’s rural landscape but also reinforcing the promise of security, dignity and stability for thousands of families who have waited years to call a house their own.
