BREAKING NEWS
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has made significant strides in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), particularly under the Gramin (rural) component, PMAY-G. As of recent reports, 3,97,459 houses have been sanctioned under PMAY-G in the region. To further address housing needs, the Union Ministry of Rural Development allocated an additional target of 1,99,550 houses to J&K, aiming to saturate the 'AwaasPlus' permanent waiting list as target.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), launched in 2015, aims to provide affordable housing for all, with a focus on economically weaker sections (EWS), lower-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG). The scheme, implemented in both urban (PMAY-U) and rural (PMAY-G) areas, has made significant progress in Jammu and Kashmir despite facing unique challenges due to its hostile topography, climatic extremities, and socio-political complexities. The implementation of PMAY in Jammu and Kashmir has involved coordination between the Union Territory administration, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, local bodies and stakeholders. It prioritizes marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Paharies, backward areas and women-headed households, aiming to construct durable pucca houses with essential amenities like electricity, toilets, and clean water. The scheme has had several successes. It has increased housing coverage in urban and rural areas, offering much-needed relief to the homeless and those living in substandard conditions. Additionally, it has stimulated the local economy by generating employment in the construction sector. PMAY’s inclusivity, prioritizing vulnerable groups like women and the elderly, has been another highlight. Rural areas have especially benefited, with durable housing contributing to better living standards and overall development. Furthermore, the scheme has supported infrastructure improvements in housing projects, enhancing the quality of life for beneficiaries.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has made significant strides in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), particularly under the Gramin (rural) component, PMAY-G. As of recent reports, 3,97,459 houses have been sanctioned under PMAY-G in the region. To further address housing needs, the Union Ministry of Rural Development allocated an additional target of 1,99,550 houses to J&K, aiming to saturate the 'AwaasPlus' permanent waiting list as target.
However, the program has faced significant challenges. Delays in fund disbursement and construction activities have been frequent due to bureaucratic hurdles and difficult terrain. Many eligible beneficiaries remain unaware of the scheme, leading to its underutilization in certain areas. Political and security concerns in the region have further hampered smooth implementation, particularly in sensitive zones. Remote and hilly areas face logistical challenges, increasing both costs and project timelines. In urban areas, acquiring land for affordable housing has been a major obstacle due to high costs and legal complexities. Moreover, reports of substandard construction in some projects have raised concerns about the quality of housing being provided.
Target Groups
Despite these challenges, PMAY has made a significant impact in Jammu and Kashmir, though its full potential is yet to be realized. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Jammu and Kashmir targets specific groups to ensure inclusive access to affordable housing, focusing on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged. The primary beneficiaries include households from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) with an annual income of up to ₹3 lakhs and those from the Lower-Income Groups (LIG) with incomes between ₹3 lakhs and ₹6 lakhs. Additionally, the scheme caters to Middle-Income Groups (MIG), further divided into MIG-I, for households with an income of ₹6 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs, and MIG-II, for those earning between ₹12 lakhs and ₹18 lakhs. These groups benefit from subsidies, particularly under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS).
Special attention is given to marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), to address historical inequities in housing access. Women-headed households, particularly widows, single women, and economically disadvantaged women, are prioritized to promote gender equity and empowerment. The scheme also focuses on senior citizens and persons with disabilities by ensuring housing designs are accessible and cater to their specific needs. Furthermore, it targets homeless individuals and those living in kutcha or dilapidated houses, offering permanent and durable housing solutions.
Residents of remote, backward areas, and rural areas in Jammu and Kashmir, often challenged by difficult terrain and infrastructure gaps, are also a significant focus of PMAY. By prioritizing these target groups, the scheme aims to create inclusive housing opportunities, ensuring that the benefits reach those most in need across the region.
Since its launch in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has seen various financial allocations to support housing development in Jammu and Kashmir. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Union Ministry of Rural Development allocated an additional target of 1,99,550 houses under PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) to Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to saturate the 'AwaasPlus' permanent waiting list in the Union Territory.
Available Fiscal Assistance
In terms of financial assistance to beneficiaries, the unit cost of assistance under PMAY-G continues at existing rates of ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh in hilly or difficult areas, which would include many regions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has approved increased subsidies under PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) to benefit identified Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) beneficiaries who have not yet completed their dwelling units. This initiative is expected to assist 26,419 beneficiaries in completing their homes. These allocations and financial supports reflect the ongoing commitment to providing affordable housing in Jammu and Kashmir under the PMAY scheme.
Rural Sector (PMAY-G)
Since its inception in 2016, PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) has sanctioned over 3.35 lakh houses in J&K. Out of these, approximately 2.8 lakh houses have been completed, providing substantial housing support to rural families. Notably, in the fiscal year 2023-24, a record-breaking 67,780 houses were completed, with an additional 82,000 houses finished by December 2024. Furthermore, the allocation of five marlas of land to 488 landless families has enabled them to benefit from PMAY-G.
Urban Sector (PMAY-U)
Under PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U), a total of 26,748 houses have been sanctioned in J&K. Of these, 23,497 houses have been completed and handed over to beneficiaries, reflecting a high completion rate in urban housing initiatives. The government released ₹394.97 crore for these projects, with ₹401.79 crore utilized, indicating efficient fund usage
Field Experiences
The implementation of the scheme indicate that PMAY-G has been transformative in rural areas of J&K, providing pucca houses equipped with essential facilities like toilets, electricity, and clean drinking water. The scheme has uplifted the living standards of the rural poor, offering them dignified living conditions. However, challenges remain in ensuring timely completion of houses and accurate identification of genuine beneficiaries. To address these issues, officials have emphasized the need for swift implementation and transparency. For instance, the Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj urged for the prompt completion of houses and stressed the importance of pushing Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs) for all completed houses within five days.
In urban areas, the PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) scheme is under implementation in various districts, including Udhampur, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Kathua. These projects are at different stages, focusing on constructing earthquake-resistant structures with appropriate layout plans. The administration has also approved increased subsidies under PMAY-U to benefit identified Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) beneficiaries who have not yet completed their dwelling units, aiming to assist 26,419 beneficiaries in completing their homes.Overall, while PMAY has achieved notable progress in J&K by sanctioning and constructing a substantial number of houses, continuous efforts are required to overcome implementation challenges, ensure timely completion, and maintain transparency to fully realize the scheme's objectives.
PMAY –J&K Urban
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) in Jammu and Kashmir has been instrumental in addressing the housing needs of economically weaker sections (EWS), lower-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG) in the region's cities and towns. Implemented across urban centers like Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Udhampur, and Kathua, the scheme aims to tackle housing shortages caused by rapid urbanization and migration. PMAY-U operates through four key verticals: the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), which provides interest subsidies on home loans; In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR), which transforms slums into livable housing complexes; Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), which fosters collaboration between the government and private developers; and Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC), offering financial assistance for constructing or upgrading homes.
In urban areas, progress has been significant, with numerous beneficiaries receiving assistance to build durable homes equipped with essential amenities such as electricity, toilets, and clean water connections. Cities like Jammu and Srinagar have seen substantial progress in constructing affordable housing units, while towns like Anantnag and Baramulla have reported increased participation, particularly under the BLC vertical. Special emphasis has been placed on earthquake-resistant construction techniques, given the seismic vulnerability of the region.
Despite its successes, PMAY-U in J&K faces challenges, including high land prices and legal complexities that hinder land acquisition in urban areas. Delays in project completion due to bureaucratic hurdles and funding issues have also posed significant obstacles. Furthermore, limited awareness among urban residents about the scheme’s benefits has impacted its reach in some towns. However, the program's ongoing efforts to address these challenges through increased transparency and stakeholder engagement hold promise for more inclusive housing solutions in J&K's urban areas. By overcoming these hurdles, PMAY-U can continue to transform urban housing and improve living conditions for thousands of families across the region.
Way Forward
PMAY holds key to sustainability and housing for all in J&K, however, future efforts need to focused on streamlining the process, enhancing/rationalization of financial sustainability, leveraging the technology and ensuring stronger stakeholder collaboration. Since J&K is located in ecologically fragile and seismically highly vulnerable region in the implementation of PMAY, balancing rural-urban dynamics while maintaining ecological and cultural integrity along with enhancing the safety from earthquakes is prerequisite to promote disaster resilient housing . To ensure the success of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Jammu & Kashmir, a comprehensive and region-specific approach is also essential. The first step is to streamline beneficiary identification through door-to-door surveys and GIS-based technology to ensure accuracy and inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups. Housing designs must be tailored to the region’s unique terrain and climatic conditions, such as earthquake-resistant structures and thermal insulation for colder areas. Land acquisition processes need to be expedited by collaborating with local authorities to resolve disputes while maintaining ecological balance and respecting local sentiments. The fiscal incentive provided under the scheme has to be rationalized based on the realistic building material cost to ensure beneficiaries are able to build houses because shortfall on account of differential rates of building material often forces stakeholders resort to many undesired practices which are not part of the overall scheme. Financial inclusion should be prioritized by simplifying access to the credit-linked subsidy scheme, especially in remote areas, through partnerships with regional banks and microfinance institutions. Concurrently, local youth should be trained in construction-related skills under schemes like DDU-GKY to address labor shortages and boost employment. Monitoring mechanisms must be strengthened using technology such as drones and mobile apps to enhance transparency and accountability. Regular consultations with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), urban local bodies (ULBs), and community leaders will foster trust and proactively resolve conflicts. Environmental sustainability is another critical focus area, requiring the use of eco-friendly materials and green building practices to align with the region's ecological sensitivities. Public awareness campaigns in local languages should be launched to educate residents about PMAY’s benefits, eligibility criteria, and application processes, thereby encouraging greater participation. Integration of PMAY-Urban and PMAY-Gramin initiatives is necessary for effective implementation in semi-urban areas, bridging the urban-rural housing divide. In the long term, the goal is to achieve sustainable and resilient housing development that respects J&K’s heritage and environment. With a strategic focus on innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, PMAY can effectively deliver on its promise of “Housing for All”. Overall in the implementation of PMAY in J&K greater integration of the Yojana is also prerequisite in urban planning, housing schemes and other initiatives to ensure eco-friendly and sustainability in housing.
Email:-------------------------------- hamwani24@gmail.com
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has made significant strides in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), particularly under the Gramin (rural) component, PMAY-G. As of recent reports, 3,97,459 houses have been sanctioned under PMAY-G in the region. To further address housing needs, the Union Ministry of Rural Development allocated an additional target of 1,99,550 houses to J&K, aiming to saturate the 'AwaasPlus' permanent waiting list as target.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), launched in 2015, aims to provide affordable housing for all, with a focus on economically weaker sections (EWS), lower-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG). The scheme, implemented in both urban (PMAY-U) and rural (PMAY-G) areas, has made significant progress in Jammu and Kashmir despite facing unique challenges due to its hostile topography, climatic extremities, and socio-political complexities. The implementation of PMAY in Jammu and Kashmir has involved coordination between the Union Territory administration, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, local bodies and stakeholders. It prioritizes marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Paharies, backward areas and women-headed households, aiming to construct durable pucca houses with essential amenities like electricity, toilets, and clean water. The scheme has had several successes. It has increased housing coverage in urban and rural areas, offering much-needed relief to the homeless and those living in substandard conditions. Additionally, it has stimulated the local economy by generating employment in the construction sector. PMAY’s inclusivity, prioritizing vulnerable groups like women and the elderly, has been another highlight. Rural areas have especially benefited, with durable housing contributing to better living standards and overall development. Furthermore, the scheme has supported infrastructure improvements in housing projects, enhancing the quality of life for beneficiaries.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has made significant strides in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), particularly under the Gramin (rural) component, PMAY-G. As of recent reports, 3,97,459 houses have been sanctioned under PMAY-G in the region. To further address housing needs, the Union Ministry of Rural Development allocated an additional target of 1,99,550 houses to J&K, aiming to saturate the 'AwaasPlus' permanent waiting list as target.
However, the program has faced significant challenges. Delays in fund disbursement and construction activities have been frequent due to bureaucratic hurdles and difficult terrain. Many eligible beneficiaries remain unaware of the scheme, leading to its underutilization in certain areas. Political and security concerns in the region have further hampered smooth implementation, particularly in sensitive zones. Remote and hilly areas face logistical challenges, increasing both costs and project timelines. In urban areas, acquiring land for affordable housing has been a major obstacle due to high costs and legal complexities. Moreover, reports of substandard construction in some projects have raised concerns about the quality of housing being provided.
Target Groups
Despite these challenges, PMAY has made a significant impact in Jammu and Kashmir, though its full potential is yet to be realized. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Jammu and Kashmir targets specific groups to ensure inclusive access to affordable housing, focusing on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged. The primary beneficiaries include households from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) with an annual income of up to ₹3 lakhs and those from the Lower-Income Groups (LIG) with incomes between ₹3 lakhs and ₹6 lakhs. Additionally, the scheme caters to Middle-Income Groups (MIG), further divided into MIG-I, for households with an income of ₹6 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs, and MIG-II, for those earning between ₹12 lakhs and ₹18 lakhs. These groups benefit from subsidies, particularly under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS).
Special attention is given to marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), to address historical inequities in housing access. Women-headed households, particularly widows, single women, and economically disadvantaged women, are prioritized to promote gender equity and empowerment. The scheme also focuses on senior citizens and persons with disabilities by ensuring housing designs are accessible and cater to their specific needs. Furthermore, it targets homeless individuals and those living in kutcha or dilapidated houses, offering permanent and durable housing solutions.
Residents of remote, backward areas, and rural areas in Jammu and Kashmir, often challenged by difficult terrain and infrastructure gaps, are also a significant focus of PMAY. By prioritizing these target groups, the scheme aims to create inclusive housing opportunities, ensuring that the benefits reach those most in need across the region.
Since its launch in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has seen various financial allocations to support housing development in Jammu and Kashmir. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Union Ministry of Rural Development allocated an additional target of 1,99,550 houses under PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) to Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to saturate the 'AwaasPlus' permanent waiting list in the Union Territory.
Available Fiscal Assistance
In terms of financial assistance to beneficiaries, the unit cost of assistance under PMAY-G continues at existing rates of ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh in hilly or difficult areas, which would include many regions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has approved increased subsidies under PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) to benefit identified Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) beneficiaries who have not yet completed their dwelling units. This initiative is expected to assist 26,419 beneficiaries in completing their homes. These allocations and financial supports reflect the ongoing commitment to providing affordable housing in Jammu and Kashmir under the PMAY scheme.
Rural Sector (PMAY-G)
Since its inception in 2016, PMAY-Gramin (PMAY-G) has sanctioned over 3.35 lakh houses in J&K. Out of these, approximately 2.8 lakh houses have been completed, providing substantial housing support to rural families. Notably, in the fiscal year 2023-24, a record-breaking 67,780 houses were completed, with an additional 82,000 houses finished by December 2024. Furthermore, the allocation of five marlas of land to 488 landless families has enabled them to benefit from PMAY-G.
Urban Sector (PMAY-U)
Under PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U), a total of 26,748 houses have been sanctioned in J&K. Of these, 23,497 houses have been completed and handed over to beneficiaries, reflecting a high completion rate in urban housing initiatives. The government released ₹394.97 crore for these projects, with ₹401.79 crore utilized, indicating efficient fund usage
Field Experiences
The implementation of the scheme indicate that PMAY-G has been transformative in rural areas of J&K, providing pucca houses equipped with essential facilities like toilets, electricity, and clean drinking water. The scheme has uplifted the living standards of the rural poor, offering them dignified living conditions. However, challenges remain in ensuring timely completion of houses and accurate identification of genuine beneficiaries. To address these issues, officials have emphasized the need for swift implementation and transparency. For instance, the Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj urged for the prompt completion of houses and stressed the importance of pushing Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs) for all completed houses within five days.
In urban areas, the PMAY-Urban (PMAY-U) scheme is under implementation in various districts, including Udhampur, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Kathua. These projects are at different stages, focusing on constructing earthquake-resistant structures with appropriate layout plans. The administration has also approved increased subsidies under PMAY-U to benefit identified Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) beneficiaries who have not yet completed their dwelling units, aiming to assist 26,419 beneficiaries in completing their homes.Overall, while PMAY has achieved notable progress in J&K by sanctioning and constructing a substantial number of houses, continuous efforts are required to overcome implementation challenges, ensure timely completion, and maintain transparency to fully realize the scheme's objectives.
PMAY –J&K Urban
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) in Jammu and Kashmir has been instrumental in addressing the housing needs of economically weaker sections (EWS), lower-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG) in the region's cities and towns. Implemented across urban centers like Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Udhampur, and Kathua, the scheme aims to tackle housing shortages caused by rapid urbanization and migration. PMAY-U operates through four key verticals: the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), which provides interest subsidies on home loans; In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR), which transforms slums into livable housing complexes; Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), which fosters collaboration between the government and private developers; and Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC), offering financial assistance for constructing or upgrading homes.
In urban areas, progress has been significant, with numerous beneficiaries receiving assistance to build durable homes equipped with essential amenities such as electricity, toilets, and clean water connections. Cities like Jammu and Srinagar have seen substantial progress in constructing affordable housing units, while towns like Anantnag and Baramulla have reported increased participation, particularly under the BLC vertical. Special emphasis has been placed on earthquake-resistant construction techniques, given the seismic vulnerability of the region.
Despite its successes, PMAY-U in J&K faces challenges, including high land prices and legal complexities that hinder land acquisition in urban areas. Delays in project completion due to bureaucratic hurdles and funding issues have also posed significant obstacles. Furthermore, limited awareness among urban residents about the scheme’s benefits has impacted its reach in some towns. However, the program's ongoing efforts to address these challenges through increased transparency and stakeholder engagement hold promise for more inclusive housing solutions in J&K's urban areas. By overcoming these hurdles, PMAY-U can continue to transform urban housing and improve living conditions for thousands of families across the region.
Way Forward
PMAY holds key to sustainability and housing for all in J&K, however, future efforts need to focused on streamlining the process, enhancing/rationalization of financial sustainability, leveraging the technology and ensuring stronger stakeholder collaboration. Since J&K is located in ecologically fragile and seismically highly vulnerable region in the implementation of PMAY, balancing rural-urban dynamics while maintaining ecological and cultural integrity along with enhancing the safety from earthquakes is prerequisite to promote disaster resilient housing . To ensure the success of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Jammu & Kashmir, a comprehensive and region-specific approach is also essential. The first step is to streamline beneficiary identification through door-to-door surveys and GIS-based technology to ensure accuracy and inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups. Housing designs must be tailored to the region’s unique terrain and climatic conditions, such as earthquake-resistant structures and thermal insulation for colder areas. Land acquisition processes need to be expedited by collaborating with local authorities to resolve disputes while maintaining ecological balance and respecting local sentiments. The fiscal incentive provided under the scheme has to be rationalized based on the realistic building material cost to ensure beneficiaries are able to build houses because shortfall on account of differential rates of building material often forces stakeholders resort to many undesired practices which are not part of the overall scheme. Financial inclusion should be prioritized by simplifying access to the credit-linked subsidy scheme, especially in remote areas, through partnerships with regional banks and microfinance institutions. Concurrently, local youth should be trained in construction-related skills under schemes like DDU-GKY to address labor shortages and boost employment. Monitoring mechanisms must be strengthened using technology such as drones and mobile apps to enhance transparency and accountability. Regular consultations with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), urban local bodies (ULBs), and community leaders will foster trust and proactively resolve conflicts. Environmental sustainability is another critical focus area, requiring the use of eco-friendly materials and green building practices to align with the region's ecological sensitivities. Public awareness campaigns in local languages should be launched to educate residents about PMAY’s benefits, eligibility criteria, and application processes, thereby encouraging greater participation. Integration of PMAY-Urban and PMAY-Gramin initiatives is necessary for effective implementation in semi-urban areas, bridging the urban-rural housing divide. In the long term, the goal is to achieve sustainable and resilient housing development that respects J&K’s heritage and environment. With a strategic focus on innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, PMAY can effectively deliver on its promise of “Housing for All”. Overall in the implementation of PMAY in J&K greater integration of the Yojana is also prerequisite in urban planning, housing schemes and other initiatives to ensure eco-friendly and sustainability in housing.
Email:-------------------------------- hamwani24@gmail.com
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