PMAY Urban 2.0: The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has taken another major step towards providing pucca and dignified houses to the urban poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)-Urban 2.0. In the recent meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) organized by the ministry, approval has been given for construction of 1.41 lakh additional housing units for 14 states and union territories across the country.
According to reports, with this approval, the total number of housing units approved under PMAY-Urban 2.0 has now exceeded 10 lakh. This decision was announced after a meeting chaired by Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Srinivas Katikithala.
The states and union territories directly benefiting from this decision include Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Haryana, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. This approval was granted in response to the growing housing needs of the urban poor in these areas.
Emphasis on infrastructure and connectivity
At the meeting, Secretary Katikithala clarified that projects should be finalized in areas where adequate infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and other connectivity facilities, is available. She stated that the availability of these amenities will make life more comfortable and convenient for beneficiaries. The Ministry also urged states and union territories to complete approved housing projects in a timely manner and provide fully equipped housing to beneficiaries.
Focus on inclusivity and women empowerment
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is not limited to housing construction, but also promotes inclusive development and women’s empowerment. Most homes constructed under this scheme are acquired in the name of the female head of household or under joint ownership, strengthening the social and economic status of women.
The Ministry believes that the PMAY-Urban 2.0 scheme is not just a shelter for the poor and vulnerable, but the foundation for a quality life. Through this scheme, the government is continuously striving to provide affordable, safe, and dignified housing to the urban poor. The meeting reviewed the progress made so far and discussed strategies to make its implementation more effective and timely.