States have shown great enthusiasm for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for urban areas. More than 25 states have signed the MoU with the central government for the implementation of the scheme. Earlier, the government had also linked 147 banks and financial institutions to it. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has organized two national workshops so far to clarify the modalities of the PM Awas Yojana’s implementation, with representatives from all the states participating.
PM Awas Yojana 2.0: Key Updates on Implementation and Beneficiary Selection
During this time, the states also signed the MoU, marking an important step in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). This time, the standards for transparency in the selection of beneficiaries have been tightened in the MoU. Additionally, states are expected to formulate a mandatory policy for affordable housing.
Aiming for One Crore Urban Homes
PM Awas Yojana 2.0 has been launched to provide pucca (permanent) houses to one crore people in urban India over the next five years. The estimated expenditure for the construction of these houses is around ₹10 lakh crore.
Selection Process to Begin After MoU Signing
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs plans to initiate the process of selecting beneficiaries following the MoU signing with states. Officials consider it a significant achievement that almost all states have committed to the scheme from the outset. The beneficiary selection process will begin in December. States will set their standards and submit their demands accordingly.
Allocation of 18 to 20 Lakh Houses in the First Year
Sources indicate that 18 to 20 lakh houses may be allocated in the first year of the scheme. This initiative is expected to generate over three crore jobs in the housing construction sector.
Focus on Accountability and Affordable Rental Housing
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal emphasized the need for accountability and responsibility in the implementation of this scheme. He also highlighted the introduction of affordable rental housing as a new vertical under the scheme, aimed at providing affordable housing for working women and industrial workers.
Lessons from Phase 1 and Reform Options for States
Kuldeep Narayan, Joint Secretary and Mission Director for Housing for All, noted that the second phase of PMAY has been launched after learning valuable lessons from the first phase. He stressed that each state must have an affordable housing policy in place, and reforms are encouraged to meet the evolving needs of urban housing.