Gujarat Housing Scheme | Updated 2026

Dr. Ambedkar Avas Yojana Gujarat | ₹1.20 Lakh for SC Families to Build Their Home

Complete guide to the Dr. Ambedkar Avas Yojana (Aavas Yojana) in Gujarat. Eligibility, installment details, online form, documents, status check | everything in one place.

Apply at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in
Dr. Ambedkar Avas Yojana Gujarat  |  ₹1.20 lakh housing assistance for SC BPL families
₹1.20 LakhTotal housing assistance per family
3Installments | linked to construction stages
1999Year the scheme was launched in Gujarat
2 YearsTime limit to complete construction
21+Minimum age to apply

What Is the Dr. Ambedkar Avas Yojana?

Dr. Ambedkar Avas Yojana | also written as Ambedkar Awas Yojana or Ambedkar Aavas Yojana | is a Gujarat state government housing assistance scheme. It was launched in 1999 by the Director of Scheduled Caste Welfare, under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat.

The scheme targets Scheduled Caste, Re-scheduled Caste, and Tapriwas families who live below the poverty line and do not have a proper home. It gives ₹1,20,000 to eligible families to build a new house, fix an old uninhabitable home, or build on an open plot they already own.

The money is not given as a lump sum. It comes in three stages | each tied to progress at the construction site. This ensures the money actually gets used for housing.

The scheme operates separately in urban and rural Gujarat. In cities, the District Deputy Director of SC Welfare handles it. In villages, the District Social Welfare Officer manages the process.

Portal for applications: All online applications go through the e-Samaj Kalyan portal at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in. This portal is managed by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (SJED), Government of Gujarat. It handles applications for SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, minority, and other welfare schemes.

The scheme is locally known as "Babasaheb Ambedkar Avas Yojana" or "Makan Sahay Yojana" in some districts. All names refer to the same scheme with the same benefits and the same application process.

Who Is Eligible?

You must meet all of the following conditions at the same time. Missing even one makes you ineligible.

CriteriaRequirement
CategoryScheduled Caste (SC), Re-scheduled Caste, or Tapriwas caste in Gujarat
BPL statusFamily must be listed in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list
Income | RuralAnnual family income ≤ ₹1,20,000 from all sources
Income | UrbanAnnual family income ≤ ₹1,50,000 from all sources
ResidencyMust be a permanent resident of Gujarat
AgeMinimum 21 years
Plot / LandMust own a plot of at least 50 sq yards (rural) or 35 sq yards (urban)
Previous housing schemeNeither the applicant nor any family member should have received benefits under any other government housing scheme
Housing conditionMust be homeless, living in a kutcha/mud/grass house, or own only an open plot
Bank accountActive bank account in applicant's name, linked to Aadhaar
About the Tapriwas category: Tapriwas communities are traditionally nomadic groups in Gujarat. They are recognized separately under this scheme alongside Scheduled Castes and Re-scheduled Castes. If your caste certificate shows Tapriwas classification, you are eligible under the same rules as SC applicants.

Who Cannot Apply?

Even if you belong to the SC or Tapriwas community, you are not eligible if any of the following apply.

Important | One scheme per family: The government checks this strictly. If any family member | including your spouse, parents, or children living in the same household | has received a government housing grant before, the entire family is disqualified from this scheme. Be honest in your self-declaration.

Financial Assistance | 3 Installments Explained

The total assistance under this scheme is ₹1,20,000. This amount is released in three installments. Each installment is linked to a specific stage of construction. No stage can be skipped.

1st Installment
₹40,000
Released with the administrative sanction order | before construction begins
2nd Installment
₹60,000
Released when construction reaches lintel level | the horizontal beam above windows and doors
3rd Installment
₹20,000
Released on full completion of construction | including toilet construction

All three payments go directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT | Direct Benefit Transfer. No cash is handled. No middlemen are involved. If your Aadhaar is not linked to your bank account, the payment will fail. Fix this at your bank branch before applying.

What If ₹1.20 Lakh Is Not Enough?

The scheme provides ₹1,20,000. This is not a full construction budget | it is a subsidy. If your total construction cost is higher, you must arrange the remaining funds yourself. The construction must still be completed within 2 years of the first installment, regardless of additional costs.

Area TypeMaximum Allowed Construction Cost
Urban areas₹10,00,000
Rural areas₹7,00,000
Affordable Housing Scheme exception: If you are building under the Affordable Housing Scheme in urban areas, the upper construction cost ceiling does not apply. Only the base scheme rules apply.

Additional Benefits | MGNREGA and Swachh Bharat

The scheme does not end at ₹1,20,000. Eligible beneficiaries can get two more forms of support on top of the housing grant.

MGNREGA | 90 Days of Unskilled Employment

Rural beneficiaries under this housing scheme can also access the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. MGNREGA gives up to 90 days of unskilled employment specifically for house construction work.

This helps families who need labour income during the building process. The MGNREGA wages go to the family's job card account. It is separate from the ₹1,20,000 housing grant. Families do not have to choose one over the other | they can use both.

Swachh Bharat Mission | ₹12,000 for Toilet

The third installment of the housing grant (₹20,000) is released only after the toilet is built. But eligible families can also receive an additional ₹12,000 under the Swachh Bharat Mission specifically for toilet construction | on top of the scheme's own final installment.

This is a separate central government benefit. The family must apply for it separately through the Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body. The house being built under this scheme qualifies as a new construction, which makes it eligible for the Swachh Bharat Mission toilet subsidy.

Full potential support: A rural SC family can potentially receive ₹1,20,000 (this scheme) + ₹12,000 (SBM toilet) + MGNREGA wages for 90 days. Combined, this is substantial support | but all three require separate applications and meeting individual eligibility conditions.

Special Rule | Building on the First Floor

This is one of the least understood provisions of the scheme. Many families miss it.

An SC beneficiary can receive assistance to build on the first floor of a family home | not just on open ground. This applies when an adult son or adult brother wants to build their own unit above the existing ground floor home of the family.

Three conditions must be met:

This provision is particularly useful in urban areas where open land is expensive or unavailable. A son living with his parents in a single-storey house can use this scheme to build his own separate unit above it.

Plot size rule for first-floor applicants: The existing ground floor home's plot must still meet the minimum size requirement | at least 50 sq yards in rural areas or 35 sq yards in urban areas. If the plot is smaller, the first-floor construction provision cannot be used.

Documents Required for Ambedkar Avas Yojana Gujarat

Keep all documents ready before you start the online form. Uploading them in one go prevents application failure and delays.

DocumentPurposeNotes
Aadhaar CardIdentity and DBT payment linkageName on Aadhaar must match bank account exactly
Caste / Sub-Caste CertificateProves SC, Re-scheduled, or Tapriwas categoryIssued by Mamlatdar. Must be valid
BPL Card or BPL List EntryConfirms Below Poverty Line statusFamily must appear in official BPL list
Annual Income CertificateConfirms income is within the limitCurrent financial year only. Issued by Mamlatdar
Proof of ResidenceConfirms Gujarat permanent residencyAny one: electricity bill, voter card, ration card, lease, or licence
Plot / Land DocumentsProves plot ownership7/12 Satbara extract or property deed. Must show plot size ≥ 50 sq yards (rural) / 35 sq yards (urban)
Bank PassbookFor DBT paymentAccount must be in applicant's name. Aadhaar must be seeded to the account
Ration CardSupports BPL and residence proofHelps verify family composition
Passport-size PhotographApplication identityRecent, clear, white background
Self-declaration affidavitDeclares no previous housing scheme benefitOn ₹10 stamp paper, notarised

For First-Floor Construction Applicants | Additional Documents

File format and size: The e-Samaj Kalyan portal accepts JPG and PDF files only. Each file must be under 200KB. Scan documents clearly at 150 DPI minimum. Blurry or oversized files are rejected without explanation. Compress files using ILovePDF or TinyPNG before uploading.

How to Apply Online | Step by Step

Applications go through the official e-Samaj Kalyan portal. Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. The process takes about 25–30 minutes if all documents are ready.

Save as draft: The portal may time out if left idle. Click "Save as Draft" after filling each section. This prevents you from losing data and lets you finish the form in multiple sessions.

How to Apply Offline

Not everyone has reliable internet access. You can also apply through offline channels.

Through the District Office

For rural areas, go to the District Social Welfare Officer office in your district. For urban areas, go to the District Deputy Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare Office. Both offices accept paper applications and can assist with form-filling.

Through Jan Seva Kendra (JSK)

Jan Seva Kendras are government service centres available at taluka and district levels across Gujarat. They offer free help with e-Samaj Kalyan portal registration, form-filling, and document uploads. Bring all original documents and two sets of photocopies. Ask for a receipt after submission.

Which is better | online or offline? Online applications through the e-Samaj Kalyan portal are faster and easier to track. They also update you automatically when your application status changes. Offline applications are processed through the same system but require more manual steps. If you have internet access, apply online.

Ambedkar Avas Yojana Form PDF | Download and Offline Use

Many people search for a downloadable PDF form for this scheme. The official position is that applications are now fully online through the e-Samaj Kalyan portal. There is no single official paper form that replaces the online application process.

However, some district offices provide a physical form for applicants who come in person. These forms contain the same fields as the online application. If you need a physical form, visit your nearest District Social Welfare Officer office or Jan Seva Kendra and request one.

Third-party websites circulate unofficial PDF forms for this scheme. Many are outdated. Using an unofficial form does not guarantee your application will be accepted. Always confirm with your local district office what they require.

Best approach for Ambedkar Avas Yojana form: Visit the e-Samaj Kalyan portal at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in and fill the form online. If you need a paper copy of your submitted application, print it from within the portal after submission. That printed copy is the only form the government will accept as a record of your application.

How to Check Application Status

After submitting your application, you can track its progress online without visiting any office.

You can also check status by logging in to your account on the portal and going to the "My Applications" or "Application Status" section in the dashboard.

Installment status tracking: After approval, each installment is released separately. To track whether an installment payment has been processed and sent to your bank, visit pfms.nic.in and use the "Know Your Payment" option. Enter your bank account number to see real-time payment status.

Construction Rules | What You Must Follow

Receiving the money is only the beginning. The scheme has strict construction rules. Violating them can cancel the remaining installments.

What Happens If You Cannot Complete Within 2 Years?

If construction stalls due to genuine reasons | medical emergency, natural disaster, or financial hardship | contact your District Social Welfare Officer as early as possible. In some cases, extensions can be granted with proper documentation. Do not wait until the deadline has passed.

Construction Inspection

A government inspector verifies construction progress before each installment is released. For the second installment, the inspector confirms the building has reached lintel level. For the third installment, they confirm full completion including the toilet. Be prepared for these inspections. Do not ask for the second installment without genuine lintel-level progress.

Who Implements This Scheme?

The scheme is run by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat, through its Scheduled Caste Welfare wing.

Urban Areas
District Deputy Director, SC Welfare Office
Located in each district headquarters. Handles urban applicants within the municipal corporation or municipality boundary.
Rural Areas
District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO)
Located in each district headquarters. Handles rural applicants in gram panchayat and taluka areas.
Online Portal
e-Samaj Kalyan Portal
esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in | all online applications, status checks, and profile management.
Help Centre
Jan Seva Kendra (JSK)
Present at taluka and district level across Gujarat. Free assistance for portal registration and applications.

Ready to Apply for Ambedkar Avas Yojana?

The entire application is online. It takes about 25–30 minutes if your documents are ready. Go to the official e-Samaj Kalyan portal now.

Apply at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dr. Ambedkar Avas Yojana Gujarat?
It is a Gujarat state government housing scheme launched in 1999. It provides ₹1,20,000 to Scheduled Caste, Re-scheduled Caste, and Tapriwas BPL families to build a new house, repair an uninhabitable home, or construct on an open plot. The scheme is managed by the Director of Scheduled Caste Welfare under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. Applications are accepted at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in.
What is the income limit for this scheme?
Annual family income must not exceed ₹1,20,000 in rural (gram panchayat) areas and ₹1,50,000 in urban (municipal) areas. This includes all income sources | agriculture, employment, business, and any other income from all family members combined.
How is the ₹1.20 lakh amount paid?
The money is paid in three installments directly to your bank account. First installment: ₹40,000 on administrative sanction. Second installment: ₹60,000 when construction reaches lintel level. Third installment: ₹20,000 on full completion including toilet construction. Each installment is triggered by a physical inspection at the site.
Can I apply if I already own a small kutcha house?
Yes. The scheme covers families living in kutcha, mud, grass-covered, or otherwise uninhabitable houses. You do not need to be completely homeless. The condition is that your current dwelling is not a proper permanent structure. If your house is already pucca (permanent concrete/brick) and in good condition, you are not eligible.
My father received Indira Awas Yojana benefit years ago. Can I apply now?
No. If any family member | including parents | received benefits under any government housing scheme, the entire family is ineligible for this scheme. The disqualification covers all government housing programs: IAY, PMAY, and any state-level housing grants. If you are unsure, check your family's history before applying and sign the self-declaration accurately.
What is the minimum plot size required?
You must own a plot of at least 50 sq yards in rural areas or at least 35 sq yards in urban areas. The plot must be in your name or in a family member's name (for first-floor construction). Smaller plots do not qualify.
How long do I have to complete construction?
You must complete construction within 2 years from the date you receive the first installment. The construction must include a toilet. If you cannot complete within 2 years due to genuine reasons, contact your District Social Welfare Officer early and request an extension with proper documentation.
Can I get MGNREGA support in addition to this scheme?
Yes, if you are in a rural area. Under MGNREGA, rural beneficiaries of this housing scheme can apply for up to 90 days of unskilled employment specifically for house construction work. This is separate from the ₹1,20,000 housing grant. Apply through your Gram Panchayat MGNREGA section.
Can an OBC or SEBC family apply for this scheme?
No. This specific scheme is only for Scheduled Caste, Re-scheduled Caste, and Tapriwas families in Gujarat. OBC, SEBC, and other categories are not eligible. OBC and SEBC families should check the separate housing schemes available under their respective welfare departments on the e-Samaj Kalyan portal.
What plaque must I put on the completed house?
The scheme requires you to display a plaque on the completed house that reads "State Government's Ambedkar Avas Yojana." The government inspector checks for this during the final inspection. Without it, the third installment may be withheld. Ask your district office for the exact format and size specification for the plaque.
I do not have internet access. How can I apply?
Visit your nearest Jan Seva Kendra (JSK) in your taluka or district. JSK staff will help you register on the portal and fill the online application at no charge. Alternatively, visit the District Social Welfare Officer office (rural) or the District Deputy Director SC Welfare office (urban) directly. Bring all original documents and photocopies.
What is the scheme code for Dr. Ambedkar Avas Yojana?
The scheme code is DAAY | short for Dr. Ambedkar Awas Yojana. On the e-Samaj Kalyan portal, search under "Director Scheduled Caste Welfare" to find the scheme. It also appears at Page 88 and Page 461 of the official SJED scheme booklet.

Sources and References

Last reviewed: June 2026. This is an independent informational guide. Always verify current scheme details at esamajkalyan.gujarat.gov.in or with your District Social Welfare Officer before applying.