The Labour and Employment Ministry has initiated a move to extend the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to disadvantaged workers. A letter has been issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to all State Governments, urging the inclusion of migrant workers, building workers, beedi workers, cine workers, non-coal mine workers, contract labourers, and other unorganised workers.

The decision has been taken in view of the Union Cabinet’s approval to extend the implementation of PMAY for an additional five years, from the financial year 2024-25 to 2028-29, with the aim of providing two crore additional houses to eligible beneficiaries. The initiative recognizes the housing needs of economically vulnerable workers. The Ministry has emphasized that these workers represent a disadvantaged section of society and ensuring their coverage under PMAY is not only a matter of social justice but also a necessary step towards improving their living conditions