Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually distributed sanction letters to 32,000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and released the first installment of Rs 320 million for house construction. Additionally, he virtually handed over keys to 46,000 PMAY-G beneficiaries nationwide. As part of his commitment to housing for all, the Prime Minister participated in the 'Griha Pravesh' celebrations of 46,000 beneficiaries and released the first installment of assistance to 32,000 beneficiaries from Jharkhand. The central government has approved 1,13,400 houses for the poor in Jharkhand under the PMAY-G scheme. Addressing the beneficiaries virtually from Ranchi, Modi highlighted that the first installment of PMAY-G would ensure pucca houses for thousands of beneficiaries. He also mentioned that additional facilities such as toilets, drinking water, electricity, and gas connections are provided along with PMAY-G. Modi emphasised the importance of homeownership, stating, When a family gets its own house, their self-confidence increases. He also noted that the PM Awas Yojana is creating thousands of jobs in villages and cities across Jharkhand. The Prime Minister also discussed the PM-Janman scheme, aimed at reaching out to tribal communities still lagging behind, by providing essential facilities like houses, roads, electricity, and education. Apologising for his inability to attend the event in person due to poor weather conditions, Modi explained that he had to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for the projects via video conferencing. The Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Odisha, where he is set to launch projects worth more than Rs 124.6 billion. (ET)