In-Depth: Housing For All | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• In its first Cabinet meeting, the Modi 3.0 government approved aid to build 30 million more rural and urban homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
• The focus is on constructing homes for 30 million more families, addressing the housing needs due to the increase in eligible families.

Historical Context and Policy Evolution

• After independence, India concentrated on rural housing because of its farming-based economy.
• The Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) was founded in 1970 to promote affordable housing.
• The National Housing Policy of 1988 aimed to tackle rural and urban housing issues, acknowledging the rising urban population and housing demands.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

• Launched in 2015, PMAY aims to offer affordable housing to urban and rural poor by constructing 20 million houses by 2022.
• This demonstrates the government's dedication to "Housing for All," striving to alleviate India's housing shortages.
• PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) includes programs like In-situ Slum Redevelopment, Affordable Housing in Partnership, Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme, and Beneficiary Led Construction.
• PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) aims to provide solid houses with basic amenities to the homeless and those residing in inadequate houses in rural areas.

Challenges and Roadblocks

• Challenges include high land prices, financing needs, regulatory complexities, ensuring quality and sustainability, and lack of awareness and accessibility.

Success Stories and Impact

• PMAY has sanctioned over 11.3 million houses under PMAY-U and over 13 million under PMAY-G by 2023.
• Building disaster-resilient houses under PMAY-G has enhanced rural communities' resilience to natural disasters.

Way Forward

• Recommendations include simplifying land acquisition, enhancing financing, streamlining regulations, ensuring quality and sustainability, leveraging technology, involving communities, and increasing awareness.

Conclusion

• The decision to build 30 million more homes under PMAY by the Modi 3.0 government is a significant move towards "Housing for All."
• Addressing challenges and seizing opportunities can bring this vision closer to reality, ensuring secure housing for all citizens.