Odisha Targets Affordable Homes Under PMAY 2.0 For the Urban Poor

Affordable housing remains a pressing issue in India. The prime reason for this is the rapid urbanization that has led to an increase in demand for homes to cater to low-income families. To address this issue, the Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department (OUHM) has taken a step ahead by announcing its PM Awas Yojana Odisha 2.0 or PMAY 2.0 initiative. This flagship scheme aims to provide affordable homes to the urban poor in the coming five years. With a renewed focus on inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency, Odisha is setting an example for other states in India. Let us see how by reading this blog.

Table of Contents

• PMAY 2.0
• Key Features of PMAY 2.0 Scheme
• PMAY 1.0 vs. PMAY 2.0
• Challenges for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Odisha 2.0
• Apply for PMAY – U 2.0 Scheme

What is PMAY 2.0?

PMAY 2.0 or the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0 is the second phase of the successful PMAY (U) launched by the Government of India in 2015. While PMAY (U) aimed to ensure housing for all by 2022, this second phase initiated by Housing and Urban Development Odisha aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor by 2030. PMAY 2.0 has been announced to extend this common vision of affordable housing by focusing on improving executive and expanding PMAY beneficiary search. The ultimate goal under this scheme is to build around 1 crore homes for middle-class Indian families with a budget of Rs. 10 lakh crore and a subsidy of Rs. 2.30 lakh crore.

Suggested read: PMAY Eligibility

Key Features of PMAY 2.0 Scheme

The overall emphasis of PM Awas Yojana Odisha 2.0 is to use innovative construction techniques and green energy solutions along with smart city integrations to bring into reality holistic urban development. The state government has collaborated with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to revolve around the following key features of PMAY 2.0:

1. Innovative Construction Technologies: India is adopting modern construction methods, and so is the government of Odisha. To implement PMAY 2.0, it will make use of prefabricated and modular housing to reduce the overall cost and to speed up the project timelines. This will be the most remarkable technological feature of this new scheme in Odisha.
2. Targeting Urban Slums: A majority of Odisha’s urban population resides in homes with minimal basic amenities, so through the In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) vertical, the Odisha government aims to convert such slums into well-planned housing colonies equipped with essential infrastructure like electricity, roads, and sanitation.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Another key feature of the PMAY 2.0 version will be to encourage public and private partnerships to develop affordable housing projects. This will be done under the AHP vertical by offering incentives like fast-track approvals, and tax exemptions to attract more and more investments.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Keeping in mind the environmental concern, this new initiative by Housing and Urban Development Odisha will incorporate eco-friendly construction materials and energy-efficient designs to promote sustainable housing. Some main highlights of the new housing projects will be thus the use of rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and green spaces.
5. Focus on Women and Vulnerable Groups: As was the case in PMAY (U), PMAY 2.0 also mandates that the house under this scheme must be registered under a female family member or jointly with a female member. Similarly, the scheme has special provisions for widows, differently-abled people, and senior citizens.

Suggested read: Benefit of PMAY

Key Differences Between PMAY 1.0 and PMAY 2.0

Have a look at the table below to understand how PMAY 2.0 is different from PMAY 1.0:

Challenges for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin Odisha 2.0

To execute what it plans to do, Odisha may experience some challenges that are listed below in fully realizing the vision of PMAY 2.0:

1. Land Acquisition Issues: Procuring adequate and building housing projects under the PMAY 2.0 scheme is going to be a big challenge, especially in densely populated urban areas.
2. Resource Constraints: The second big challenge to implementing the PM Awas Yojana 2.0 in Odisha will be meeting the limitations of sufficient capital and manpower. The unavailability of both may slow down the pace of the project.
3. Ensuring Quality: While scaling up construction as part of PMAY 2.0 is crucial, maintaining the quality is another key aspect. It will be a challenge to avoid substandard materials and techniques to ensure the long-term durability of the housing units built.

Suggested read: PMAY Eligibility Criteria

How to Apply for PMAY – U 2.0 Scheme?

Gangadhar Nayak, the Odisha Housing Urban Mission Director, has already ensured that the responsible authorities launch a web portal and application module to raise awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0. The eligible applicants can directly apply for the scheme through this website. Moreover, application desks are also being organised at each ward to provide applicants with help and assistance in applying for this government scheme. To apply for PMAY 2.0, applicants must have a valid Aadhar Card, income certificate, and land ownership documents.

Sum up

By addressing the housing needs of the urban poor, the Odisha Government is showing its clear vision for sustainable urban development. The PM Awas Yojana Odisha 2.0 will reshape the urban landscapes and enhance the lives of millions. With a “Housing for All” approach, the state is setting a benchmark for other states to follow to improve the living standards of all and encourage social equality and economic growth.

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