The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has taken a major step towards providing sustainable and dignified housing to the urban poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)-Urban 2.0. The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) recently approved the construction of 1.41 lakh additional housing units for 14 states and union territories.
This announcement was made after a meeting chaired by Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Srinivas Katikithala. With this new approval, the total number of housing units approved under PMAY-Urban 2.0 has now exceeded 10 lakh, reflecting the scheme’s tremendous success.
These 14 states and union territories will directly benefit
This far-reaching decision will directly benefit 14 states and union territories across the country. This approval has been given in view of the growing housing needs of the urban poor in these areas.
The states and union territories that will benefit 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 will ensure that housing projects in these areas are completed expeditiously and provide safe homes to more people.
Emphasis on Infrastructure for Lifestyle
At the meeting, Secretary Katikithala made it very clear that projects should be finalized in areas where adequate infrastructure, including roads, public transport, and other connectivity facilities, is already available. He stated that the availability of these facilities will make life more comfortable and accessible for beneficiaries.
The Ministry also urged all states and union territories to complete approved housing projects on time and provide fully furnished housing to beneficiaries. The meeting reviewed the progress made so far under the scheme and discussed strategies to make its implementation more effective and timely.
Special Focus on Women’s Empowerment
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is not limited to housing construction, but also strongly promotes inclusive development and women’s empowerment. Most of the houses constructed under this scheme are sanctioned in the name of the female head of the family or in joint ownership, thereby significantly strengthening the social and economic status of women in society.
The Ministry firmly believes that the PMAY-Urban 2.0 scheme is not just a shelter for the poor and vulnerable, but a strong foundation for an excellent lifestyle. The government is continuously striving to provide affordable, safe, and dignified housing to the urban poor through this scheme.