Housing and Healthcare for All — The Government Double Promise
In recent years, the Government of India has launched several schemes to support low-income and vulnerable sections of society. Among the most impactful are the PM Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Yojana. While PMAY focuses on ensuring that every Indian has a safe and affordable home, Ayushman Bharat offers free health insurance to millions of families. Both schemes aim to provide basic dignity and security to citizens — one through shelter, the other through healthcare.
PM Awas Yojana: A Home for Every Indian by 2025
Launched in 2015, PM Awas Yojana (PMAY) aims to provide “Housing for All” by 2025. The scheme offers financial assistance and interest subsidies to individuals from economically weaker sections (EWS), lower-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG) to help them build or buy a home. Those eligible can receive interest subsidies up to ₹2.67 lakh under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), making home loans far more affordable.
The PM Awas Yojana application process is now fully online through pmaymis.gov.in. Applicants need to submit basic identity details, income proof, and land or property documents. For those without internet access, Common Service Centres (CSCs) are available across India to help with the process. One unique feature of PMAY is that women must be listed as owners or co-owners of the property in most cases, helping empower female family members.
As of 2025, the scheme has already helped more than 3 crore families across the country. Rural and urban versions of PMAY (Gramin and Urban) are running simultaneously. Many states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, are leading in terms of housing approvals and construction progress.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana: ₹5 Lakh Health Cover for the Poor
While PMAY provides physical shelter, Ayushman Bharat ensures protection against health emergencies. Ayushman Bharat Yojana Known officially as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), it offers free health insurance worth ₹5 lakh per family per year. This covers major treatments like surgeries, cancer therapy, maternity care, and more all at government or empaneled private hospitals.
Eligibility for Ayushman Bharat Yojana is determined based on the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. There is no need to pay any premium or register online unless you want to download the Ayushman Card or ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) ID. Families can check their eligibility on pmjay.gov.in by simply entering their mobile number and state.
Under PMJAY, treatment is completely cashless. Hospitals verify the patient’s eligibility through Aadhaar or ration card and provide all necessary medical services free of cost. Over 1,500 medical procedures are covered, including both pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses.
In 2025, the scheme has seen new upgrades, including digital health records, telemedicine support, and the addition of mental health services. New private hospitals are also being added to the empanelled list to improve access in remote and urban areas alike.
A Safety Net That Works — If You Use It
Both PM Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Yojana have changed millions of lives across India. Yet, many eligible families are still unaware of these benefits or unsure of how to apply. With simple online portals, transparent rules, and no middlemen required, these schemes are easier than ever to access. If you or someone you know belongs to the target groups, it’s time to make use of what the government is offering be it a home to live in or treatment that could save a life.
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