The Ramai Awas Yojana is a housing scheme launched by the Government of Maharashtra to provide permanent houses to families belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Neo-Buddhist communities. The scheme focuses on helping homeless and economically weaker families build their own pucca house and live with dignity. Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance for house construction, which is directly transferred to their bank accounts in instalments.
Maharashtra Ramai Awas Yojana Overview | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Maharashtra Ramai Awas Yojana (Ramai Awas Gharkul Yojana). |
| Date of Launch | Government Resolution dated 15 November 2008. |
| Benefits Provided | Financial Assistance from Rs. 1.32 Lakh to 2.5 Lakh for House Construction. |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | SC and Neo-Buddhist families without a permanent house. |
| Nodal Agency | Social Justice & Special Assistance Department |
| How to Apply | Offline through Gram Panchayat (rural) and Municipal Authorities (urban) |
| Free Scheme Updates | WhatsApp | Telegram |

Introduction of Maharashtra Ramai Awas Yojana: A Brief Insight
The Ramai Awas Yojana is a state-sponsored housing scheme of the Government of Maharashtra that aims to provide permanent houses to homeless families belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Neo-Buddhist communities. The scheme was introduced through Government Resolution dated 15 November 2008 and has been operational since 2010-11. The Social Justice & Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra, runs this scheme through the Commissionerate of Social Welfare, Pune.
The main objective of this scheme is to ensure that economically weaker families who do not have a permanent house can build their own pucca home and live with dignity. Many families in rural and urban areas still live in kutcha houses or temporary structures. The government identified this gap and launched the Ramai Awas Yojana, alias Ramai Awas Gharkul Yojana, to directly support such families with financial assistance for house construction.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive financial assistance based on their location. In rural areas, the government provides Rs. 1.32 lakh in plain areas and Rs. 1.42 lakh in hilly or naxal-affected areas, which includes Rs. 12,000 for toilet construction. In urban areas, beneficiaries receive up to Rs. 2.50 lakh for building a house. The assistance is provided directly into the beneficiary’s bank account in instalments through PFMS, ensuring transparency and timely payment. The scheme also allows support for labour work under applicable government programmes during construction.
The scheme is specifically designed for families belonging to SC and Neo-Buddhist communities who are residents of Maharashtra for at least 15 years, do not own a permanent house, and fall within the prescribed income limits. Only one member per family can avail the benefit, and applicants must not have received benefits under any other government housing scheme. In rural areas, the selection of beneficiaries takes place through the Gram Sabha, while in urban areas, municipal authorities finalise the list through a committee-based system.
There is no fully online application system for this scheme. Eligible applicants need to approach their Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, or Municipal office to apply and get their names included in the beneficiary list. The government verifies all details at the local level before approving the benefit. In case of any issue, applicants can contact the Social Welfare Department or visit their nearest government office for assistance.
If you are looking for central government housing schemes, you can also check Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin for rural housing support and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban for urban housing benefits. Apart from housing schemes, the Maharashtra Government also runs welfare schemes like Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana to support women members of financially unstable families.
You can explore the Complete List of Maharashtra Government Welfare Schemes to find more schemes that match your eligibility and needs.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Maharashtra Government provides financial assistance under the Ramai Awas Yojana to help eligible families build a permanent house. The benefits are structured based on area type so that beneficiaries can clearly understand how much support they will receive.
For Rural Areas (Plain Areas)
- Total assistance of Rs. 1.32 lakh is provided.
- This includes:
- Rs. 1.20 lakh for house construction.
- Rs. 12,000 for toilet construction. (under Swachh Bharat Mission)
- 100% grant, no contribution required from beneficiary.
- Minimum house area: 269 sq. ft.
For Hilly / Naxal-Affected Areas
- Total assistance of Rs. 1.42 lakh is provided.
- This includes:
- Rs. 1.30 lakh for house construction.
- Rs. 12,000 for toilet construction. (under Swachh Bharat Mission)
- 100% grant, no contribution required from beneficiary.
- Minimum house area: 269 sq. ft.
For Urban Areas (Municipal Council / Nagar Parishad)
- Total assistance of Rs. 2.50 lakh is provided.
- Beneficiary contribution: 7.5% of total cost.
- The remaining amount is provided by the government.
- Minimum house area: 323 sq. ft.
For Municipal Corporation Areas
- Total assistance of Rs. 2.50 lakh is provided.
- Beneficiary contribution: 10% of the total cost.
- The remaining amount is provided by the government.
- Minimum house area: 323 sq. ft.
Additional Support Provided
- Rs. 12,000 for toilet construction is mandatory and included in total assistance.
- Financial assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through DBT/PFMS
- Amount is released in instalments based on construction progress.
- Support for labour work of 125 Days under the VB GRAM G is provided under applicable rural employment programmes as per government norms.
- In certain cases, eligible beneficiaries without land may receive financial assistance up to Rs. 50,000 for land purchase as per government provisions.
Instalment Structure of Payment</h3 >
The financial assistance under Ramai Awas Yojana is not given in one go. The amount is released in stages based on the progress of house construction.
- 1st Instalment – Rs. 15,000 at the initial stage
- 2nd Instalment – Rs. 45,000 after base construction
- 3rd Instalment – Rs. 40,000 during mid-stage construction
- 4th Instalment – Rs. 20,000 after completion of house
The amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through PFMS to ensure transparency.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions to avail benefits under the Ramai Awas Yojana of the Maharashtra Government :
- Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Castes (SC) or the Neo-Buddhist category.
- Must be a resident of Maharashtra for at least 15 years.
- Must be homeless or living in a kutcha/temporary house.
- Must have own land or a plot to construct the house.
- Minimum land requirement should be around 269 sq. ft. (for rural areas)
- Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 1.20 lakh (rural) or Rs. 3.00 lakh (urban).
- Benefit is provided to only one member per family.
- The applicant should not have availed the benefit under any other housing scheme.
- Must be outside the priority list criteria of SECC-2011.
- Must fulfil conditions as per Form D of SECC-2011 (for rural beneficiaries).
- If land is insufficient, beneficiaries can opt for joint construction with other eligible families.
- SC beneficiaries with 40% or more disability, not below the poverty line but with annual income up to Rs. 1 lakh, are also eligible as per a special government provision.
Special Relaxation: Beneficiaries who are living on encroached government or local authority land since 01/01/1995 and are recognised as slum dwellers are exempted from submitting land ownership proof as per Government Resolution dated 15 March 2016.
Documents Required to be Attached
Applicants need to submit the following documents while applying under the Ramai Awas Yojana for verification and approval of benefits.
- Land Ownership Proof: any one of the following:
- 7/12 Extract.
- Property Registered Card.
- Extract from Gram Panchayat Property Register.
- House/ Utility proof: any one of the following:
- House tax receipt.
- Water tax receipt.
- Electricity bill.
- Caste certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Income certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Voter list extract (as on 01/01/1995).
- Election Voter ID Card.
- Ration Card.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Certificate from Sarpanch / Talathi.
- For urban applicants:
- Property tax payment receipt issued by Municipal Corporation / Municipality.
Note: As per Government Resolution dated 15 March 2016, beneficiaries who are residing on encroached government or local authority land since 01/01/1995 and are recognised as slum dwellers do not need to submit the 7/12 extract.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
The Maharashtra Government does not have a fully online application system for the Ramai Awas Yojana. Beneficiaries need to follow the local verification and selection process through Gram Sabha (rural) or municipal authorities (urban). The application process is explained separately below for better understanding.
For Rural Areas
Step 1: Visit your Gram Panchayat office or contact the Gram Sevak / Development Officer of your village.
Step 2: Provide your details and submit the required documents to show eligibility under the scheme.
Step 3: Your name will be placed before the Gram Sabha for consideration in the beneficiary list.
Step 4: The Gram Sabha prepares the preliminary list of eligible beneficiaries.
Step 5: The final selection is done by the House Construction Committee under the Zilla Parishad.
Step 6: After approval, your application is sanctioned and the benefit is allotted.
Step 7: The financial assistance is released in four instalments, i.e. Rs. 15,000 (1st), Rs. 45,000 (2nd), Rs. 40,000 (3rd), and Rs. 20,000 (4th), directly to your bank account via PFMS.
For Urban Areas
Step 1: Visit your nearest Municipal Corporation / Municipal Council / Nagar Panchayat office or contact the concerned department.
Step 2: Submit your application details along with all required documents.
Step 3: The authorities verify your eligibility based on income, category, and housing condition.
Step 4: Your name is included in the list of eligible beneficiaries prepared by the municipal authority.
Step 5: The House Construction Committee under the Municipal Commissioner or District Collector finalises the beneficiary list.
Step 6: After approval, the scheme benefit is sanctioned.
Step 7: The approved amount is released in stages directly to your bank account through PFMS as construction progresses.
Important: Applicants are advised to stay in contact with their local authorities during the selection process and ensure all documents are correct to avoid rejection or delay.
Important Links Available
- Maharashtra Ramai Awas Yojana Guidelines.
- Maharashtra Ramai Housing Scheme Details with Government Resolutions.
- Grievance Redressal Portal Maharashtra.
- Official WhatsApp Chatbot for Scheme Assistance.
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
If applicants face any issues related to the Ramai Awas Yojana, they can contact the concerned department or visit the nearest office for assistance.
- Commissionerate of Social Welfare, Pune:
- Address: 3, Church Path, Agarkar Nagar, Pune – 411001
- Phone: 020-26122652.
- Email: comm.socwelfare@maharashtra.gov.in
- Social Justice & Special Assistance Department, Maharashtra:
- Address: 1st Floor, Annex Building, Mantralay, Madam Cama Road, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400032
- Phone: 022-22026688.
- CM Helpline: 18001208040.
- Email: psec.socjustice@maharashtra.gov.in.
- WhatsApp Chatbot Support:
- Number: 8062524455.
- Use this service for quick updates and basic guidance
- Offline Help:
- Visit the nearest Gram Panchayat / Panchayat Samiti (for rural areas)
- Visit Municipal Corporation / Nagar Parishad office (for urban areas)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Ramai Awas Yojana?
Ramai Awas Yojana is a housing scheme of the Maharashtra Government that provides financial assistance to Scheduled Castes and Neo-Buddhist families to build a permanent house.
Q. Who can apply under this scheme?
Only individuals belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) or the Neo-Buddhist category who meet income and housing conditions can apply.
Q. How much financial assistance is provided?
Beneficiaries receive Rs. 1.32 lakh in rural areas, Rs. 1.42 lakh in hilly/naxal areas, and Rs. 2.50 lakh in urban areas as per scheme guidelines.
Q. Is the Rs. 12,000 toilet amount separate?
No, Rs. 12,000 for toilet construction is included in the total assistance amount provided under the scheme.
Q. Do beneficiaries need to contribute money?
In rural areas, no contribution is required. In urban areas, beneficiaries need to contribute 7.5% or 10%, depending on the area.
Q. Can a person apply if they have already received a housing benefit earlier?
No, beneficiaries who have already availed benefits under any other government housing scheme are not eligible.
Q. What is the income limit for this scheme?
The annual family income should not exceed Rs. 1.20 lakh for rural areas and Rs. 3.00 lakh for urban areas.
Q. How are beneficiaries selected?
In rural areas, selection is done through the Gram Sabha and approved by the Zilla Parishad committee. In urban areas, selection is done by municipal authorities and district-level committees.
Q. How is the payment given?
The financial assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account in instalments through PFMS based on construction progress.
Q. Is there any online application process?
No, the scheme follows an offline process through Gram Panchayat (rural) and municipal authorities (urban).
Q. Can beneficiaries living on encroached land apply?
Yes, beneficiaries residing on certain encroached lands since 01/01/1995 and recognised as slum dwellers may get relaxation in land document requirements as per government rules.
Q. What is the minimum house size under this scheme?
The minimum house area is 269 sq. ft. in rural areas and 323 sq. ft. in urban areas.
Q. Can multiple families apply together?
Yes, if land is insufficient, eligible families can opt for joint construction as per scheme provisions.
Q. Where can I get help regarding this scheme?
Applicants can visit their nearest Gram Panchayat, Municipal office, or contact the Social Welfare Department for assistance.
Q. What is the name “Ramai” referring to?
The name “Ramai” is a tribute to Ramabai Ambedkar, the wife of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, reflecting the scheme’s dedication to uplifting the SC and Neo-Buddhist communities she belonged to.
Q. Since when has the Ramai Awas Yojana been operational?
The scheme was launched through Government Resolution dated 15 November 2008 and has been operational since the financial year 2010-11.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.
