THE Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) has the highest share out of the total net Budget allocation for improving various urban sectors. It shares 33 percent of the total amount of Rs. 764.32 billion assigned for fiscal 2023-24. Housing is closely followed by Mass Rapid Transit System and Metro projects at 30 percent.
Sharing the details, an article on the ORF website opined that the highest allocations being given to the housing and transport sectors indicates that the Government’s priority during 2023-24 is to provide shelter to remaining communities and address mobility gaps.
Under this ‘Housing for All’ Mission, more than 1.20 crore houses have been sanctioned till November 2022. Incidentally, that is more than the population of Belgium. Out of these, more than 64 lakh units have been completed and the rest are in various stages of construction.
With basic amenities
The PMAY-U was launched in June 2015 to provide all-weather dwelling units to eligible beneficiaries across all urban areas. The houses built, or acquired, or purchased under PMAY-U have basic amenities like kitchen, water supply, electricity, and toilet.
In August 2022, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister NarendraModi approved continuation of PMAY-U up to December 31, 2024. This ensured completion of all the units sanctioned till March 31, 2022.
The scheme is being implemented through four verticals: Beneficiary Led Construction/Enhancement (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR), and Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). While the Centre provides financial assistance, states and Union Territories implement the scheme, including the selection of beneficiaries.
Coneptualised in 2015
Between 2004 and 2014, altogether 8.04 lakh houses were completed under Urban Housing Scheme. The reafter, the issue of providing houses to all eligible urban dwellers in saturation mode was brought into focus and PMAY-Urban was conceptualised.
The Central assistance approved since 2015 is Rs. 2.03 lakh crore. This was Rs. 20,000 crore between 2004 and 2014. Till March 31, 2022, Central assistance/subsidy of Rs. 1,18,020.46crore has already been released and Rs. 85,406 crore will be released till December 31, 2024.
Under PMAY-U, a Technology SubMission (TSM) has been set up to facilitate the adoption of innovative, sustainable, eco-friendly, and disasterresilient technologies and building materials. Under TSM, Global Housing Technology Challenge- India (GHTCIndia) helped identify 54 global proven and potential innovative construction technologies with an objective of starting a new era in the construction technology sector in the country.
Beneficiary criteria As per PMAY guidelines, the basic criteria needed for beneficiaries are as follows:
- Not owning a pucca house in his/her name or any other family member’s name, anywhere in India
- Belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) with annual household income of up to Rs. 3 lakh.
- Ownership of land to avail benefit under the Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) component of the Mission
- All economic sections must adhere to their annual income caps and the maximum loan amounts mentioned above
Incidentally, the home ownership is required to be under the name of a female member. In addition, the applicant should not have received any other assistance from the state or Central governments. Also, the property should be located in geographical areas specified under the 2011 Census.
Central share fixed
The Centre sanctions proposals based on the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) along with project cost prepared by the implementing agencies of states or Union Territories. The Union Government is providing its fixed share as Central assistance of Rs. 1 lakh under In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR), Rs. 1.5 lakh for Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) and Beneficiary Led Individual Construction or Enhancement (BLC) verticals of PMAY-U.
Under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) vertical of PMAY-U, an interest subsidy at the rate of 6.5 percent, which amounts up to Rs. 2.67 lakh per house, is provided for beneficiaries of the EWS and Lower Income Group (LIG) category. The remaining cost of the house as per DPR is shared by the respective state, Union Territory, Urban Local Body, or the beneficiaries themselves.
