In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB) has begun releasing payments to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) scheme, which had been stalled since December 2023 without any apparent reason.
The move comes after the Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, Saloni Rai, raised concerns over the non-disbursal of payments to 102 beneficiaries across three municipal bodies in the district, totaling ₹45,16,668. Rai’s letter, dated May 7, 2024, highlighted the adverse impact of the delay on the implementation and progress of the PMAY-U scheme in the district. Sources indicate that the administrative department, the J&K Housing and Urban Development Department, and the Chief Secretary of J&K took strong note of the payment delays, prompting the JKHB to release the withheld funds.
The decision has brought relief to PMAY-U beneficiaries throughout the Union Territory, who had been grappling with financial constraints and uncertainties due to the stalled payments. The Hidden News had previously published an extensive report on May 6, titled J&K Housing Board Delays Payments, Leaving PMAY-U Beneficiaries in Limbo, highlighting the significant hardships faced by those awaiting funds under the scheme.
The breakdown of pending bills included 71 beneficiaries from Municipal Council Udhampur awaiting ₹30,33,346, 8 beneficiaries from Municipal Committee Chenani awaiting ₹4,41,666, and 23 beneficiaries from Municipal Committee Ramnagar awaiting ₹10,41,656. Beneficiaries had expressed frustration over the delay, which had put their housing projects on hold and raised concerns about the rising costs of construction materials and labor, further complicating their efforts to complete their homes.
The timely intervention by the administrative authorities and the subsequent release of funds by the JKHB have been welcomed by affected residents and stakeholders, who had been hopeful for a rapid resolution to the funding delays. As the payments are disbursed, beneficiaries can now resume their housing projects under the ambitious PMAY-U scheme, which aims to provide affordable housing and promote inclusive urban development in the region.
