Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) (PMAY-U) Scheme
GS-2 Mains : Govt. Schemes
Revision Notes
Question : Discuss the objectives, components, progress, and challenges of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) (PMAY-U) scheme, and evaluate its effectiveness in addressing the urban housing shortage in India
Context:
- Urban housing shortage: 3 million (as per recent government estimates).
About PMAY-U Scheme:
- Launched in 2015 by MoHUA as a flagship Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- Aims to provide affordable housing to urban poor (EWS, LIG, MIG).
Objectives:
- Address urban housing shortage for EWS, LIG, MIG & slum dwellers.
- Rehabilitate slum dwellers with private developers’ participation.
- Promote affordable housing through Credit Linked Subsidy Schemes.
- Provide subsidy for Beneficiary-led Construction (BLC).
- Ensure ‘pucca house’ for all eligible urban households by 2022.
Coverage:
- Entire urban area including Statutory Towns, Development Authorities etc.
Components (Four Verticals):
- In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR):Slum dweller rehabilitation with private developers.
- Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP):Promotes affordable housing for weaker sections through public-private partnerships.
- Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS):Provides interest subsidy on housing loans to beneficiaries.
- Beneficiary-led Construction (BLC):Provides central assistance for house construction or enhancement.
Additional Initiatives by MoHUA under PMAY:
- Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs):Provides affordable rental housing to urban migrants/poor near workplaces.
- Global Housing Technology Challenge – India (GHTC-India):Identifies innovative sustainable construction technologies.
Progress of PMAY-U Scheme (as of April 2024):
- Houses sanctioned: 118.64 lakh
- Houses grounded: 114.15 lakh
- Houses completed: 82.16 lakh
- Central Assistance Committed: ₹2 Lakh Cr
- Central Assistance Released: ₹163926 Cr
- Total Investment: ₹8.07 Lakh Cr
Challenges:
- Housing Shortage:Increased from 1.88 crore in 2012 to 2.9 crore in 2018 (shortfall of 40 lakh from sanctioned & completed houses).
- Implementation Issues:
- In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) has underperformed (only 2,10,552 houses sanctioned).
- Even if completed by Dec 2024, ISSR would address only 37% of the need.
- Unmet Targets:PMAY-U has addressed only 25.15% of the shortage (delivered 80 lakh homes).
Future of PMAY Scheme:
- Extended till Dec 2024 for completion of sanctioned houses.
- The current housing program (merger of Rajiv Awas Yojana & PMAY) hasn’t achieved ‘Housing for All’ despite significant spending.
Conclusion:
- PMAY-U is a step towards ‘Housing for All’ but faces challenges.
- The scheme highlights complexities of urban development and the need for better solutions.