Affordable housing is a critical component of India's development agenda, aiming to provide safe and affordable shelter to its growing population. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), launched in 2015, is a flagship initiative targeting 'Housing for All' by 2022. The scheme focuses on: - **Urban Housing:** Addressing the housing shortage in urban areas by providing central assistance to implementing agencies through States and Union Territories for constructing houses for all eligible sections. - **Rural Housing:** Enhancing the quality of life in rural areas by providing financial assistance for the construction of pucca houses to homeless families and those living in kutcha or dilapidated houses. The PMAY emphasizes eco-friendly and sustainable construction technologies, promoting the use of modern building materials and techniques to ensure durability and energy efficiency. The scheme also focuses on women's empowerment by mandating the registration of houses in the name of female family members or joint ownership, thereby promoting gender equality. Despite significant progress, challenges such as land availability, regulatory approvals, and financing remain. The government continues to address these issues through policy reforms, incentives for private sector participation, and the development of alternative construction technologies to accelerate the pace of housing construction.
