Chief Secretary Reviews PMAY-U Housing Schemes for Urban Poor in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, India Jul 31, 2026 ALN: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Thursday took a comprehensive review meeting of Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) to evaluate the implementation of housing schemes for the urban poor under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department; Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations; Managing Director, J&K Housing Board; Director General, Codes; Chief Town Planners of Jammu and Kashmir; representatives of J&K Bank and other senior officers. This diverse group of officials underscores the collaborative effort required to effectively implement housing schemes and address the needs of urban poor communities.

While speaking, the Chief Secretary observed that access to affordable housing is one of the most fundamental aspirations and essential needs of every family, particularly those belonging to the urban poor. The significance of affordable housing cannot be overstated, as it serves as a foundation for families to build their lives, access education, and secure employment opportunities. It is widely recognized that stable housing leads to improved health outcomes and social cohesion within communities.

He noted that for economically weaker households, a significant share of their income is often consumed in meeting housing-related expenses, leaving limited resources for other basic necessities. This reality highlights the urgent need for comprehensive housing policies that not only provide shelter but also promote financial stability and growth for low-income families.

He said that the PMAY–Urban serves as a transformative social welfare initiative by providing secure and dignified housing to eligible beneficiaries, thereby substantially reducing their financial burden. The program aims to ensure that every urban household has access to a home that meets their needs, fostering a sense of dignity and belonging among the urban poor.

This, he added, enables such families to redirect their hard-earned income towards other critical needs such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and improving their overall quality of life, ultimately contributing to their long-term socio-economic empowerment. The implications of this initiative are far-reaching, as improved living conditions can lead to enhanced productivity and community engagement, creating a ripple effect that benefits society as a whole.

The Chief Secretary directed all Deputy Commissioners and Commissioners of Municipal Corporations to further mobilize field functionaries to expedite verification of applications, preparation and submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), and timely release of eligible installments to beneficiaries strictly in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This directive emphasizes the importance of efficient administration and accountability in the execution of housing projects.

He emphasized that every eligible urban poor household should be covered under the scheme, while ensuring complete transparency, accountability, and adherence to the standards specified in the scheme. Transparency is crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring that resources are allocated fairly and effectively to those who need them most.

The Chief Secretary further impressed upon the officers to resolve all pending issues proactively, enhance public awareness regarding the benefits of the scheme, and facilitate eligible beneficiaries in completing all procedural formalities so that no deserving household is left out. Increasing public awareness is vital, as many potential beneficiaries may not fully understand the application process or the benefits available to them.

During the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur presented an overview of the implementation of PMAY-U 1.0 and PMAY-U 2.0, highlighting the physical and financial progress achieved across all districts of the Union Territory. This review serves not only as a performance assessment but also as a strategic planning tool to identify areas for improvement and ensure the continued success of the housing initiatives.

Highlighting the progress under PMAY-U 1.0, the Commissioner Secretary revealed that against the revised sanctioned target of 36,412 dwelling units, 31,663 houses have already been completed, registering an impressive completion rate of nearly 87 percent, while the remaining houses are at various stages of construction and nearing completion. This completion rate is indicative of the commitment of the local government to address housing shortages and improve living conditions for the urban poor.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of PMAY-U 2.0, particularly under the Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) component. It was divulged that 92 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) involving 2,120 houses have been approved so far, with 1,379 houses already grounded and construction progressing steadily across different stages. The BLC component allows beneficiaries to take charge of their housing construction, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among the urban poor.

Taking stock of beneficiary verification, the meeting was apprised by the Managing Director of the Housing Board, Smita Sethi, that under the BLC vertical, 23,256 applications have been received, of which 20,154 applications have already been verified, while the process of scrutiny of the remaining applications is underway. The verification process is critical to ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reach those who are genuinely in need.

The meeting further reviewed progress under the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS) verticals of PMAY-U 2.0. It was informed that verification of applications under these components is being carried out on priority to ensure timely approval of eligible beneficiaries and seamless implementation of the scheme. The AHP and ISS components are designed to facilitate partnerships with private developers, thereby expanding the reach and impact of the housing initiatives.

In conclusion, the review meeting led by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reflects a strong commitment to improving housing conditions for the urban poor in Jammu and Kashmir. The PMAY-U initiative, through its various components, aims to empower families by providing them with secure housing, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and enabling them to contribute positively to society. As the government continues to monitor and refine these programs, it is essential to maintain a focus on transparency, efficiency, and community engagement to ensure that no deserving household is left behind in the pursuit of better living conditions.