Maharashtra Gharkul Yojana — Free Housing Scheme for Homeless Families – How to Apply & Benefits

What is Maharashtra Gharkul Yojana?

Maharashtra Gharkul Yojana is a state housing scheme that provides free pucca (permanent) houses to homeless and economically weaker families in Maharashtra. The scheme operates primarily in rural areas and covers all categories — SC, ST, OBC, minorities, and general category BPL families.

The scheme works in convergence with central housing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) and state-specific schemes like Ramai Awas Yojana for SC/NT/DNT families.

Financial Assistance

Amounts are subject to revision as per PMAY-G/state government norms.

Who is Eligible?

• Homeless families in rural Maharashtra (no pucca house in any family member's name)
• Must be on the Awas+ list or Permanent Wait List prepared by Gram Sabha
• Priority given to: SC/ST families, minorities, widows, disabled, families with no literate adult, landless labourers
• Must have land (own or allotted by Gram Panchayat) for house construction
• BPL families as per SECC data
• Must not have received housing benefit from any other government scheme

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card of applicant and family members
• BPL/ration card
• Land document (7/12 extract or Gram Panchayat allotment letter)
• Proof of homelessness (Gram Panchayat certificate)
• Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
• Passport-size photographs
• Caste certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC category)
• Self-declaration of not receiving other housing scheme benefits

How to Apply — Step-by-Step

Beneficiary Selection Process

1. Gram Sabha prepares the Permanent Wait List (PWL) of homeless families based on SECC data
2. Families on the list are prioritized by the Gram Panchayat
3. Verification by Block Development Officer (BDO) and district officials
4. Approval at the district level
5. Sanctioned families receive the first instalment

Application (if not on PWL)

1. Attend Gram Sabha meetings and request inclusion in the housing wait list
2. Submit application to the Gram Panchayat with all documents
3. Gram Panchayat verifies and forwards to BDO
4. BDO inspects and recommends
5. District-level approval and inclusion in the beneficiary list

Tracking Online

1. Visit PMAY-G website or Maharashtra rural development portal
2. Search by name or Aadhaar number
3. Check your application status and instalment details

Disbursement

Funds are released in 3 instalments via DBT:

1. First instalment: On sanction and construction commencement
2. Second instalment: After lintel-level completion (verified by geo-tagged photo)
3. Third instalment: After house completion (verified by geo-tagged photo)

Beneficiaries must upload geo-tagged photographs at each stage using the AwaasApp or through the concerned official.

Processing Time

• Beneficiary selection: Depends on Gram Sabha cycle and SECC data
• From sanction to first instalment: 1-2 months
• Construction completion: 12 months from first instalment

Fees

No fees. The entire process is free.

Important Tips

1. Attend Gram Sabha — Your name must be on the Permanent Wait List; active participation in Gram Sabha is crucial
2. Secure land — Without land, you cannot be sanctioned a house; request Gram Panchayat allotment if landless
3. Use AwaasApp — Download the AwaasApp for geo-tagging construction progress; this speeds up instalment release
4. Complete on time — Construction must be completed within 12 months to avoid cancellation
5. Combine with MGNREGA — You are entitled to 90 person-days of unskilled labour wages under MGNREGA for house construction

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Gharkul Yojana only for SC/ST families?

No. Gharkul Yojana covers all BPL families — SC, ST, OBC, minorities, and general category. However, SC/NT/DNT families may also apply under Ramai Awas Yojana for additional benefits.

Q2. Can urban families apply?

Gharkul Yojana is primarily for rural areas. Urban families should look at Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U).

Q3. What if I'm not on the SECC/Awas+ list?

Approach your Gram Panchayat and request inclusion during the next Gram Sabha. You can also file an appeal at the Block or District level.

Q4. Can I build the house myself?

Yes. The scheme allows self-construction (owner-driven). You manage the construction, and instalments are released upon verification of progress.

Q5. What is the house size?

The minimum house area under PMAY-G norms is 25 sq. metres (approx. 269 sq. ft.) with a dedicated cooking area.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with the Government of Maharashtra. Verify on the official rural development portal.