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The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) is an ambitious initiative by the Government of India, launched in September 2024, aiming to provide affordable housing to urban poor and middle-income families. Building on the foundation of the original PMAY-U scheme, this extension addresses evolving housing needs with enhanced features focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and affordability. The goal is to ensure secure, all-weather homes for over 1 crore urban families by 2025.
Core Objectives
The scheme seeks to provide affordable housing to families from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Groups (LIG), and Middle Income Groups (MIG). PMAY-U 2.0 is designed to cater to the diverse housing needs of these segments through a set of well-defined verticals.
Key Features
I. Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC)
The BLC vertical provides direct financial assistance to EWS families to construct new pucca houses on their own land.
• Financial Assistance: Support is provided in three installments, linked to construction progress.
• Eligibility: Families must belong to the EWS category and should not own a pucca house anywhere in India.
• House Specifications: Houses must have a minimum carpet area of 30 square meters, expandable up to 45 square meters, subject to state-level approvals.
II. Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP)
AHP focuses on constructing affordable houses through partnerships between public and private entities.
• Supply-Side Intervention: Houses with a carpet area of 30-45 square meters are made available to EWS beneficiaries.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Projects can be initiated by government agencies or in collaboration with private developers.
• Central Assistance: Financial support is provided to implementing agencies and beneficiaries through Redeemable Housing Vouchers (RHV).
• Sustainability Focus: Projects promote the use of sustainable building materials and technologies, aligning with green building norms.
III. Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs)
The ARHC component addresses the housing needs of urban migrants and poor by providing.
Model 1: Converting Existing Government-Funded Vacant Houses
• Utilization: Vacant government houses are converted into rental units.
• Concessionaire Model: Private entities operate and maintain these units.
• Affordable Rent: Rent is fixed based on local surveys and adjusted periodically.
Model 2: Construct, Operate, and Maintain New Rental Housing
• Public/Private Construction: New rental units are built by public or private entities.
• Eligibility: Targeted at urban poor, working women, and employees of industries.
• Innovative Technologies: Construction focuses on sustainable, disaster-resilient technologies, with financial incentives for using these methods.
III. Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS)
CLSS provides interest subsidies on home loans for EWS, LIG, and MIG families.
• Eligibility: Beneficiaries include EWS, LIG, and MIG families with annual incomes up to ₹3 lakh, ₹6 lakh, and ₹9 lakh respectively.
• Subsidy Details: A maximum subsidy of ₹1.80 lakh is provided, directly reducing the loan principal and lowering the EMI burden.
• Disbursement: The subsidy is released in installments over a specified period.
Eligibility Criteria
• Income Categories: EWS households with an annual income up to ₹3 lakh, LIG households with income between ₹3 lakh and ₹6 lakh, and MIG households with income between ₹6 lakh and ₹9 lakh are eligible.
• Ownership Status: The applicant family should not own a pucca house anywhere in India.
• Special Preferences: Priority is given to widows, single women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, transgender individuals, and other vulnerable groups.
Financial Structure
The Union Cabinet has approved a total government assistance of ₹2.30 lakh crore for PMAY-U 2.0, with an overall investment of ₹10 lakh crore. This substantial funding underscores the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing for all urban residents.
Implementation and Monitoring
• Geo-Tagging: The construction progress of houses is monitored through geo-tagging at various stages, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Unified Web Portal: A centralized portal facilitates beneficiary registration and application tracking, streamlining the process and enhancing accessibility.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The scheme ensures that all houses constructed under PMAY-U 2.0 are equipped with basic amenities such as water, sanitation, electricity, and roads. Additional features include:
• Barrier-Free Access: Provisions for ramps and other facilities for persons with disabilities.
• Rainwater Harvesting and Solar Energy: Emphasis on sustainable practices and energy efficiency.
• Social Infrastructure: Inclusion of community facilities like Anganwadi centers, where required.
Recent Developments
In August 2024, the Union Cabinet approved PMAY-U 2.0, aiming to provide financial assistance to one crore urban poor and middle-class families over the next five years. The scheme supports the construction, purchase, or rental of houses at affordable costs, aligning with the government’s vision to ensure every citizen has access to a pucca house, thereby enhancing their quality of life.
Conclusion
PMAY-U 2.0 represents a significant step towards achieving the vision of ‘Housing for All’ in urban India. By addressing the diverse housing needs of various income groups, promoting sustainable construction practices, and ensuring transparency in implementation, the scheme aims to transform the urban housing landscape. With its focus on inclusivity, affordability, and sustainability, PMAY-U 2.0 is poised to provide secure and dignified living conditions for millions of urban dwellers, contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the nation.
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