New Delhi: A significant proportion of houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), aimed at providing affordable housing to the urban poor, remain unoccupied due to insufficient infrastructure and amenities. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, approximately 47% of the 9.7 lakh houses built under two key verticals of the scheme are yet to find occupants. This revelation underscores the challenges in delivering holistic housing solutions that go beyond mere construction.
The issue has been flagged by a parliamentary panel, which stressed that the inability to occupy these houses, irrespective of the reasons, jeopardizes the mission’s objectives. The ministry’s submission to the committee highlighted that a lack of proper infrastructure was the primary deterrent for beneficiaries, with the problem being particularly acute under the In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) vertical. The data presented showed that nearly 70% of houses built under ISSR remain unoccupied.
Key Findings in the Parliamentary Report
The report, tabled in Parliament as part of the Demand for Grants (2024-25) for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, outlined various bottlenecks in the construction and allotment processes. It emphasized the need for effective coordination between central and state authorities and called for close monitoring of project progress.
The data shared by the ministry revealed that out of the 9.7 lakh completed houses under the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) vertical and ISSR combined, only 5.1 lakh units are currently occupied. Breaking it down further, under the AHP vertical, 4.1 lakh out of approximately 9 lakh completed houses remain vacant. For ISSR, the situation is even worse, with 47,510 out of 67,806 houses yet to be occupied.
Reasons Behind Non-Occupancy
The ministry attributed the non-occupancy to several factors, including:
- Incomplete Infrastructure: Many housing units lack access to basic amenities like water supply, electricity, and sewage systems.
- Non-Allotment of Houses: Delays in allotting completed units to eligible beneficiaries.
- Unwillingness of Allottees: In some cases, beneficiaries have shown reluctance to move into these houses due to their location or lack of facilities.
Under the scheme’s guidelines, the responsibility for providing trunk infrastructure—such as roads, drainage, and utilities—rests with state governments and union territories. However, several states have been unable to meet these obligations, resulting in widespread non-occupancy.
Financial Support and Implementation Gaps
The Centre contributes a fixed share of financial assistance under the scheme—₹1 lakh per unit under the ISSR vertical and ₹1.5 lakh per unit for AHP projects. Despite this support, the failure to ensure complete infrastructure has hindered the success of the mission.
The parliamentary panel recommended that the ministry adopt a more proactive role in resolving these issues. Suggestions include:
- Enhanced Monitoring: Regular tracking of housing projects to identify and address delays or bottlenecks.
- Improved Coordination: Strengthening collaboration between central and state authorities to expedite the provision of infrastructure.
- Capacity Building: Supporting state governments to enhance their ability to deliver projects within stipulated timelines.
Broader Implications
The high rate of unoccupied houses poses a significant challenge to the PMAY-U’s goal of “Housing for All.” Experts argue that without addressing the root causes—such as inadequate infrastructure, poor planning, and lack of beneficiary engagement—the program risks falling short of its targets.
For slum dwellers, the situation under ISSR is particularly troubling. These projects, designed to redevelop slums by providing on-site housing, face significant resistance due to their location and the absence of basic amenities. Beneficiaries are often hesitant to leave their existing habitats, which, despite their shortcomings, offer better access to livelihood opportunities and community networks.
Looking Ahead
As the government pushes for inclusive urban development, the challenges highlighted by the PMAY-U experience serve as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive planning. Housing solutions must integrate physical infrastructure with social and economic considerations to ensure they are not only constructed but also utilized effectively.
The ministry has been urged to take corrective measures swiftly to bridge the gap between policy and implementation. The success of housing initiatives like PMAY-U depends on their ability to deliver not just homes, but sustainable living environments that uplift the urban poor.
This report shines a spotlight on the critical need for systemic changes in the way affordable housing schemes are conceptualized and executed, ensuring that every constructed unit becomes a home for its intended beneficiaries.
