MoHUA's PMAY-U: Significant Progress in Urban Housing Across India

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) underscores its dedication to providing urban housing in India. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) has sanctioned 118.64 lakh houses, with 85.04 lakh completed so far. The scheme operates through four key verticals offering central assistance for housing projects.

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has reiterated its dedication to providing solid houses with essential civic amenities to all qualified urban beneficiaries in India. A recent press release from the Ministry confirmed that, as of July 15, a total of 118.64 lakh homes have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) (PMAY-U). Of these, 114.33 lakh homes have been initiated for construction, and 85.04 lakh homes have been completed and handed over.

The PMAY-U, launched on June 25, 2015, aims to address urban housing shortages. This demand-driven scheme complements state and union territory strategies by providing central assistance for housing projects. The initiative works through four key verticals: Beneficiary-led Individual House Construction/Enhancements (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR), and the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS).

Under PMAY-U, the central government offers fixed assistance: Rs 1 lakh per house under ISSR, Rs 1.5 lakh per house for AHP and BLC, and an interest subsidy of up to Rs 2.67 lakh for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Lower Income Groups (LIG) under CLSS. Remaining costs are covered by states, Union Territories (UTs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), or the beneficiaries. Implementation is decentralized, with states and UTs preparing project proposals based on local needs, approved by the State Level Sanctioning & Monitoring Committee (SLSMC), and later by the Central Sanctioning & Monitoring Committee (CSMC).

The central funds are released in three installments based on compliance: 40%, 40%, and 20%. Project timelines range from 12 to 36 months, depending on factors like land availability and statutory compliance. Initially set to end by March 31, 2022, the scheme's duration has been extended to December 31, 2024, except for the CLSS vertical, allowing for completion without changing funding patterns.

(With inputs from agencies.)