Ramai Housing Scheme (Gramin and Urban)

Ramai Housing Scheme (Gramin and Urban)—Complete Information

Introduction

The Ramai Housing Scheme is a significant social welfare initiative launched by the Government of Maharashtra to provide permanent and safe housing facilities to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Neo-Buddhist communities in both rural and urban areas. The scheme primarily targets economically weaker sections belonging to these marginalized groups, aiming to uplift their living standards by ensuring access to a dignified home.

The scheme’s name, “Ramai,” symbolizes the government’s commitment to housing security and social equity for underprivileged communities. Since its launch, it has helped thousands of families acquire pucca (permanent) houses with financial aid, thereby addressing critical issues related to homelessness and substandard housing.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Ramai Housing Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:The beneficiary must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Neo-Buddhist category.

• The applicant should have been residing in Maharashtra for at least 15 years continuously. 

• The scheme allows benefits for only one member per family to avoid duplication.

• The beneficiary should own either a plot of land or a kaccha (temporary) house in their name.

• The applicant must not have availed benefits under any other government housing scheme.

• The annual family income limit is capped as follows:

• Rural Areas: ₹1.20 lakh per annum.

• Urban Areas: ₹3.00 lakh per annum.

• The beneficiary should not be listed under the priority categories defined by the Social and Economic Caste Survey (SEC) 2011.

Required Documents

Applicants need to submit the following documents for verification:

• 7/12 Extract or Property Ownership Certificate or Registered Property Card.

• Utility Bills (such as house tax, water bill, or electricity bill) as proof of residence.

• Caste Certificate issued by a competent authority.

• Income Certificate issued by a competent authority.

• Voter ID or a similar identification document.

• Ration Card.

• Certificate from the village headman (Sarpanch) or Talathi (revenue officer).

• Receipt of property tax payment (for urban applicants).

Note: For beneficiaries residing on government land or encroached land as of 1 January 1995 and recognized as protected slum dwellers, the submission of 7/12 extract has been relaxed as per government order dated 15 March 2016.

 

Selection Procedure

Rural Areas:

• Initial beneficiary selection is conducted by the Gram Sabha (village assembly).

• The final selection of SC beneficiaries is approved by a Housing Construction Committee formed under the District Council (Zilla Parishad) headed by the Chief Executive Officer.

Urban Areas:

• In Municipal Corporation areas, the selection is carried out by a Housing Committee headed by the Commissioner.

• In Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat areas, the committee is headed by the District Collector or District Magistrate.

Financial Assistance and Benefits

The scheme provides financial assistance to build houses, including a component for constructing toilets, to promote hygiene and sanitation. The financial aid varies based on the region:

AreaAmount (INR)Rural Areas ₹1,32,000 (including ₹12,000 for toilet construction)
Hilly / Naxalite Affected Areas ₹1,42,000 (including ₹12,000 for toilet construction)
Municipal Council / Nagar Parishad ₹2,50,000
Municipal Corporation ₹2,50,000

The inclusion of a toilet construction grant is aligned with the government’s broader Swachh Bharat (Clean India) campaign, emphasizing health and sanitation in housing.

 

Additional Features and Process

• The scheme encourages self-help by ensuring direct transfer of funds to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, which enhances transparency and reduces corruption.

• Applicants may be eligible to receive housing loans through other government or cooperative banks to supplement the financial assistance if needed.

• Regular inspections and verification are conducted by local authorities to ensure proper utilization of funds and compliance with construction norms.

• The government promotes community involvement through Gram Sabhas and local bodies to select deserving candidates and oversee housing construction.

• Special attention is given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, differently abled, and women-headed households during beneficiary selection.

Impact and Social Benefits

• The Ramai Housing Scheme has played a crucial role in reducing homelessness among Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist communities in Maharashtra.

• It has significantly improved the living conditions by providing safe, durable, and hygienic houses to marginalized families.

• Access to pucca houses has enhanced social dignity and economic stability for beneficiaries, helping them integrate better into society.

• The scheme supports government efforts to eradicate poverty and improve rural-urban development in tandem with other social welfare initiatives.

• By including toilet construction, the scheme also promotes public health and environmental hygiene.

How to Apply for the Ramai Housing Scheme?

• Visit the nearest Gram Panchayat or Municipal Corporation office.

• Collect and fill out the application form with required documents.

• Submit the form along with supporting documents for verification.

• After initial screening, the beneficiary list is prepared by the concerned local committee.

• Final approval and sanction of the grant is provided by the District Housing Committee.

• Funds are directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account.

• Construction work can begin after receiving funds, and progress is monitored by authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can a family member other than the head of the family apply?
A: Only one member of a family is eligible to apply and receive benefits under this scheme.

Q2: What if the beneficiary does not have a registered property?
A: A kaccha house or an ownership proof like 7/12 extract is mandatory, but certain exceptions exist for protected slum dwellers.

Q3: Is the financial assistance enough to build a complete house?
A: The assistance aims to cover basic construction costs including toilets. Beneficiaries can take supplementary loans if required.

Q4: Are women beneficiaries given special consideration?
A: While the scheme does not explicitly prioritize women, local committees often encourage the inclusion of women-headed households.

Q5: How often is the beneficiary list updated?
A: The list is updated annually or as per government instructions.

 

Contact and Official Resources

• Applicants and beneficiaries can contact their District Collector’s Office or Local Municipal Corporation for application status and assistance.

• The Maharashtra Social Justice and Special Assistance Department website provides official guidelines and downloadable forms: https://sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in

• For detailed queries, beneficiaries may visit the nearest Jan Seva Kendra (Public Service Center).

Conclusion

The Ramai Housing Scheme represents a vital step towards inclusive development in Maharashtra, focusing on marginalized communities by providing them with secure and dignified housing. It not only offers financial assistance for home construction but also promotes health, hygiene, and social welfare through integrated toilet facilities.

This scheme has helped thousands of Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist families improve their quality of life and attain social and economic empowerment. With continuous efforts from the government and local authorities, the Ramai Housing Scheme is expected to further expand and reach more needy families, contributing significantly to Maharashtra’s socio-economic development goals.