Govt Approves Over 3.52 Lakh Houses Under PMAY-U 2.0

New Delhi: In a significant move towards fulfilling the vision of ‘Housing for All’, the Government of India, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), conducted the first Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) meeting for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0). The meeting, chaired by MoHUA Secretary Srinivas Katikithala, resulted in the sanctioning of over 3.52 lakh houses across ten states and union territories.

The ambitious PMAY-U 2.0, launched as a continuation of the original PMAY-U scheme, aims to ensure every eligible urban household has access to affordable housing along with necessary civic amenities. The new phase will operate for five years starting from September 1, 2024, with a target of reaching 1 crore beneficiaries belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low-Income Groups (LIG), and Middle-Income Groups (MIG).

Major Announcements from the First CSMC Meeting

During the meeting held on March 21, 2025, the ministry sanctioned 3,52,915 houses under two key verticals — Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) and Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP). These housing units will be constructed in the following states and union territories:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Bihar
• Haryana
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Odisha
• Puducherry
• Rajasthan
• Telangana
• Uttar Pradesh

The total financial outlay approved for these projects aligns with the central government’s goal of investing ₹10 lakh crore under PMAY-U 2.0, with government assistance amounting to ₹2.30 lakh crore over the five-year period.

Empowering Women Through Affordable Housing

A significant highlight of the meeting was the government’s continued emphasis on women’s empowerment. Out of the total houses sanctioned, more than 2.67 lakh units have been reserved exclusively for women, including single women and widows.

This progressive step ensures financial security, social dignity, and improved living standards for women in urban India, fulfilling the mission’s commitment to gender inclusion. The move is expected to benefit women-led households who have long struggled with access to affordable housing.

Inclusion of Marginalized Communities: SCs, STs, and Transgenders

In line with the government’s vision of inclusive development, the sanctioned list includes dedicated allocations for marginalized groups. The ministry has approved:

• 80,850 houses for Scheduled Caste (SC) beneficiaries
• 15,928 houses for Scheduled Tribes (ST)
• 2,12,603 houses for Other Backward Classes (OBC)

Additionally, recognizing the unique challenges faced by the transgender community, the committee has sanctioned 90 housing units specifically for transgender individuals. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at providing a sense of security, equality, and belonging to this marginalized group.

Uttar Pradesh Leads with Additional Benefits for Vulnerable Sections

Taking the mission further, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced special financial assistance to enhance the impact of PMAY-U 2.0. Apart from the central and state shares, the state will provide:

• ₹30,000 each to senior citizens aged 70 years and above
• ₹20,000 each to unmarried women (above 40 years), widows, and separated female beneficiaries

This supplementary support is designed to assist the most vulnerable urban residents in securing their rightful place in society through dignified living spaces.

PMAY-U 2.0: A Comprehensive Housing Scheme Explained

Objective:

PMAY-U 2.0’s primary aim is to provide Central Assistance to eligible urban households and implementing agencies to enable the construction, purchase, or rental of houses at affordable costs. The scheme also ensures every house constructed has a minimum carpet area of 30 sqm, inclusive of basic civic amenities like water supply, sanitation, electricity, and social infrastructure.

Eligibility Criteria:

The scheme focuses on families with no existing pucca house and belonging to the following economic groups:

• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
• Low Income Group (LIG)
• Middle Income Group (MIG)

Special preference is given to:

• Widows and single women
• Senior citizens
• Persons with Disabilities
• Transgender individuals
• Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)

Duration:

PMAY-U 2.0 is scheduled to run for five years from September 1, 2024, addressing the housing needs of 1 crore urban poor and middle-class families.

Four Key Components of PMAY-U 2.0

The scheme operates through four distinct verticals to cater to diverse needs:

1. Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC):
   1. Supports EWS families in constructing houses on their own land.
2. Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP):
   1. Encourages public/private sector participation in developing apartment projects for EWS beneficiaries.
3. Affordable Rental Housing (ARH):
   1. Focuses on utilizing vacant government-funded houses or constructing new rental units by private/public entities.
4. Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS):
   1. Offers interest subsidies on home loans up to ₹25 lakh with a maximum house value of ₹35 lakh, providing relief to the middle-class segment.

PMAY-U 2.0: Fulfilling the Dream of 1 Crore Houses

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs projects that the PMAY-U 2.0 will fulfill the housing needs of 1 crore eligible urban families by 2029.

MoHUA has already signed Memorandums of Association (MoAs) with 31 States and Union Territories and also with Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) for seamless implementation.

The scheme not only promises physical housing but is a critical socio-economic intervention aimed at:

• Reducing urban poverty
• Ensuring inclusiveness
• Strengthening women’s ownership rights
• Supporting marginalized and vulnerable groups
• Boosting employment generation through large-scale construction activities

PMAY-U Journey So Far: A Proven Model of Success

Since its launch in June 2015, the original Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) has already sanctioned 118.64 lakh houses across India. Out of these, approximately 92 lakh houses have been constructed and handed over to the beneficiaries, setting a solid precedent for the success of PMAY-U 2.0.

The new phase seeks to build on this momentum, with a refined focus on deeper social inclusion, greater financial outlay, and efficient delivery mechanisms.

Government’s Long-Term Vision: Building a New Urban India

The PMAY-U 2.0 is part of the larger vision of the government to transform urban India into a space of inclusive growth, economic empowerment, and sustainable living. By focusing on sectors like housing, sanitation, and civic amenities, the mission aims to uplift millions of underprivileged citizens.

The scheme also complements other flagship programs like Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and Swachh Bharat Mission, thereby creating a synergized urban development framework.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Urban Housing in India

The first CSMC meeting of PMAY-U 2.0 has laid a robust foundation for achieving the dream of Housing for All by 2029. By sanctioning 3.52 lakh houses in its very first meeting, the government has signaled its firm commitment to social equity, gender inclusion, and economic justice.

With a progressive focus on women, transgenders, SCs, STs, and OBCs, coupled with additional support from states like Uttar Pradesh, PMAY-U 2.0 is set to redefine the urban housing landscape in India.

As the scheme progresses, millions of urban poor and middle-class families will soon see their dream of owning a dignified, secure home come true — marking a giant leap towards a New India where no one is left behind.

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