The Rewa Municipal Corporation has initiated legal action against 34 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) after they allegedly failed to construct houses despite receiving the first instalment of financial assistance under the government housing scheme.

Officials said First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against all 34 beneficiaries following an investigation that found widespread misuse of funds released under the Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) component of PMAY.

According to the Municipal Corporation, the beneficiaries received the first instalment of ₹70,000 to ₹1 lakh in 2017 to begin construction of their homes. However, years later, many of them neither completed nor even initiated construction, despite repeated notices and reminders from the civic body.

During the inquiry, authorities found that six beneficiaries had sold their land after receiving the government assistance, making it impossible to complete the intended housing projects. Several others were found to have diverted the funds for purposes unrelated to house construction.

Officials stated that beneficiaries had been issued multiple notices directing them to either complete construction or return the government funds. They were also warned that failure to comply would invite legal action, including recovery proceedings and criminal cases.

Following the notices, only five beneficiaries deposited partial amounts ranging between ₹10,000 and ₹20,000. Of these, three individuals repaid ₹20,000 each, while two deposited ₹10,000 each. However, the remaining beneficiaries neither returned the financial assistance nor resumed construction, prompting the Municipal Corporation to proceed with FIRs.

The action was initiated on the directions of the then Municipal Commissioner Dr. Saurabh Sonawane, officials said.

Municipal authorities reiterated that the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aims to provide permanent housing to economically weaker and needy families. Misuse of public funds, they said, undermines the objective of the welfare scheme and affects deserving beneficiaries waiting for assistance.

The civic body has now begun the process of recovering the government funds from the beneficiaries in addition to the criminal proceedings. Revenue recovery measures will also be initiated wherever required.

Officials said the investigation would continue, and strict action would be taken against anyone found to have fraudulently obtained financial assistance under the housing scheme.

The beneficiaries booked belong to several municipal wards across Rewa, with multiple cases reported from Wards 3, 15, 35, 37, 38, 40 and 43.

The latest action underscores the government's efforts to ensure accountability in the implementation of flagship welfare schemes and prevent misuse of public money intended for affordable housing.