Historically, there have been maharaja palaces, followed by homes or bungalows. Today, we live in contemporary flats due to a lack of space and the skyrocketing cost of land in metropolitan areas. These apartments are mushrooming in number, and many are constantly being built.
Builder floors, penthouses, studio flats, and other residences are all built. India’s population is growing, though, and there is a growing need for residential real estate. The problem is that poverty is the most significant obstacle facing the Indian economy. Everyone finds it tough to afford a home due to this issue. The government has continually worked to make housing available to everyone. Apartments have been separated into groups like Janta, LIG, MIG and SFS, HIG and EWS flats to address this issue.
Let us examine the various LIG, MIG, and HIG classifications and their definitions to better comprehend how EWS and Janta flats vary from LIG. In this post, we will talk about LIG, MIG, and HIG, qualifying requirements, active programmes, application procedures, and much more.
What is LIG?
LIG, or Low Income Group, covers individuals who are a part of a family with an annual gross income between Rs. 3 lakhs and Rs. 6 lakhs. A single unit in a multi-story structure or a unit of 60 square metres is included in the LIG housing category, which is intended for persons in this income bracket. Basic amenities, including bathrooms, power, and water supply, are included in these flats.
Difference between LIG and EWS
EWS, or Economically Weaker Section, comprises families with yearly incomes of up to Rs 3 lakhs. In addition, they go by the name “Economy based unreserved category.” Up to 30 square metres of carpeting are available in EWS apartments, along with necessities like power and water.
Janta flats: These are little apartments with a kitchen, a bathroom, and one room. A Janta apartment is 35 to 40 square metres in size. The fact that this apartment is affordable for families of any income level is crucial. Since this is accessible to anyone, it goes by the name Janta.
What is MIG?
The middle-income group (MIG) has two subgroups within this group: MIG-I and MIG-II. On the basis of yearly revenue, categories are created. The MIG-I group includes those with annual incomes of Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs. A person falls into the MIG-II category if their annual income is between Rs. 12 lakhs and Rs. 18 lakhs.
For MIG-I and MIG-II, a 120 square metres and 150 square metres carpet area, respectively, is recommended. The carpet area for this category used to be smaller, ranging from 90 to 110 square metres.
See also: EWS meaning, conditions for inclusion, and documentation for verification
What is HIG?
A HIG is a high-income group in its complete form. It comprises families with yearly incomes over Rs 18 lakhs. People who fall into this group are entitled to additional facilities, including 3 BHK flats, duplexes, bungalows, etc., as well as larger carpeting.
LIG, MIG and HIG: Eligibility criteria
You must fulfil the following eligibility requirements in order to utilise the amenities provided under these categories. For LIG apartments, the Indian government offers a discount on home loan interest rates. A subsidy was also provided to the MIG group before 2021, but that choice has since been reversed. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the subsidy is being offered.
| Particulars | LIG | MIG (MIG-I and MIG-II) | HIG |
| Annual income of the household | Rs 3 to 6 lakhs | Rs 6 to 12 lakhs (MIG-I)
Rs 12 to 18 lakhs (MIG-II) |
Rs 18 lakhs and above |
| Carpet area | 90 square metres | 110 square metres (MIG-I)
150 square metres (MIG-II) |
Larger than LIG and MIG carpet area |
| Subsidy | 6.50% | No subsidy | No subsidy |
| Loan eligibility | 20 years | 20 years | 20 years |
| Amenities | Basic- roads, running water and electricity | Little more than Basic- fire fighting equipment, sports court | Luxurious- lift, gym, grocery store, car parking |
Schemes for LIG, MIG and HIG
In India, a number of housing initiatives are underway to ensure that everyone has a place to live. Each of the three categories—LIG, MIG, and HIG—has a unique system. Following is a list of a few schemes organised by category.
| Scheme Name | Category |
| Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana | LIG |
| Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority Scheme (MHADA) | LIG, MIG and HIG |
| Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Housing Scheme | LIG, MIG and HIG |
| West Bengal Housing Board Scheme | LIG, MIG and HIG |
| Rajiv Awas Yojana | LIG |
| Tamil Nadu Housing Board Scheme | LIG, MIG and HIG |
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) was unveiled in 2015. It is a government-led effort with the goal of giving lower-income group (LIG) households access to affordable housing. The decision to extend the program’s eligibility to MIG-I and MIG-II families until 2021 has been reversed. LIG households are given a subsidy of 6.50% under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). By 2024, 2.95 lakhs pucca dwellings are to be constructed.
Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA)
To provide affordable homes in Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) was established. The number of housing units is determined by the household’s monthly income. A Maharashtra citizen who is 18 years of age or older, has a PAN card, and has a steady source of income is eligible to qualify for a house loan under the programme.
| Category | Monthly Income of Household |
| LIG | Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 |
| MIG | Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 |
| HIG | Above Rs 75,000 |
Housing Program of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
All Delhi residents who are at least 18 years old are eligible for this housing programme. The programme is related to the PMAY programme. A total of 1800 apartments will be offered for sale in 2021–2022. The LIG, MIG, and HIG categories are given access to this programme.
Scheme of the West Bengal Housing Board
For a variety of economic brackets, the West Bengali government has pledged to supply 35,000 apartments. The lottery mechanism is used to distribute the homes and apartments.
| Category | Monthly income |
| LIG | Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 |
| MIG I | Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 |
| MIG II | Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 |
| HIG | More than Rs 40,000 |
Rajiv Awas Yojana
LIG households are given access to the Rajiv Awas Yojana. By 2022, the programme wants to have an India devoid of slums. For the less fortunate members of society, affordable dwelling units measuring 21 to 40 square metres are constructed.
Scheme of the Tamil Nadu Housing Board
Every income category—LIG, MIG, and HIG—is to receive affordable housing, according to the Tamil Nadu Housing Board. An adult Tamil Nadu native may apply for this housing programme. However, a candidate cannot be a homeowner in Tamil Nadu or any other state that participates in a separate housing programme.
FAQs
What is the income limit for LIG?
LIG stands for Low-Income Group in its whole form. This category includes households with an annual income of between Rs 3 lakhs and Rs 6 lakhs.
Who qualifies for HIG housing or an apartment?
This group includes everyone who is at least 18 years old and has an annual family income of more than Rs 18 lakhs.
What facilities are available in the LIG apartment?
Facilities, including roads, water supplies, power, fire suppression systems, and sports courts, are available in LIG apartments or homes.
How much financial support is provided to LIG under CLSS?
LIG households are eligible for a subsidy of up to 6.50% under PMAY CLSS.
What is the difference between LIG, MIG and HIG?
LIG stands for Low-Income Group, MIG represents Middle-Income Group, and HIG stands for High-Income Group. These classifications are primarily based on individuals' economic status.
Is MIG eligible for PMAY?
In addition to the EWS and LIG categories, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) also extends eligibility to middle-class families, including both MIG-I and MIG-II.
What is the full form of EWS flat?
EWS flats are residences constructed for the Economically Weaker Sections, and EWS stands for Economically Weaker Sections.
Who is eligible for EWS benefits?
Individuals who do not belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes but have a gross household income below Rs 8 lakh per annum are eligible for EWS reservation.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
Dhwani is a content management expert with over five years of professional experience. She has authored articles spanning diverse domains, including real estate, finance, business, health, taxation, education and more. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Dhwani’s interests encompass reading and travelling. She is dedicated to staying updated on the latest real estate advancements in India.
Email: dhwani.meharchandani@housing.com
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