Bhopal, Mar 29 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually participated in the 'grih pravesham' of about 5.21 lakh beneficiaries under PMAY-G (Pradhanmantri Aawas Yojanan- gramin) in Madhya Pradesh.

Launching the ambitious project of his government in the state, the Prime Minister congratulated the beneficiaries saying that more than 24 lakh houses have been built so far in Madhya Pradesh. Modi said his government has set a target to provide pucca houses to each eligible beneficiary by 2024.

Modi said that his government has targeted to build 80 lakh houses under the PM Awaas Yojana in the current financial year and so far, Rs 2.25 lakh crore have been spent for this purpose. He said of the total houses allotted so far in the country, around two crore are women owners, which will help families to access the benefits of other schemes of the state and the Centre.

"This 5.21 lakh houses provided under PM Aawas Yojana is not just a number to count, but a proof that poor people who are unable to build a pucca house, have lived their dream. It is also the determination of the BJP's government's endeavour to make the life of poor people better. Congratulations to all who have received their homes under PM Aawas Yojana in Madhya Pradesh," the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, he also said that the previous government had only constructed a few lakh houses; on the other hand his government had provided more than 2.5 crore built houses so far.

The Prime Minister was addressing the gathering via video conferencing from New Delhi, while the state government has organised a special event for this purpose in Chhatarpur district in the state. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also attended the programme.

A large gathering was at the function, which saw some traditional celebrations with conch, lamp, flowers and rangoli being organised in new houses.