During a pivotal conference on February 23, 2026, led by Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) convened for its 6th meeting to discuss advances under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0).
This assembly, which included key figures such as Shri Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary & Mission Director (JS&MD), Housing for All (HFA), and PMAY-U Mission Directors from various states and territories, marked the approval of an additional 287,618 homes, bringing the total to over 13.61 lakh houses sanctioned under this initiative.
This recent endorsement took place across 16 states and territories, encompassing diverse regions from Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal. The distribution of homes follows several categories within the PMAY-U 2.0, including 1.66 lakh homes through the Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC), 1.09 lakh via Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), and 12,846 under the Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) segment.
The ARH initiative specifically aims to meet the housing requirements of various urban groups such as migrants, homeless individuals, industrial and construction workers, working women, and other vulnerable populations. This meeting underlined the authorization of approximately 12,846 rental accommodations to support these demographics.
Additionally, the session led to the green-lighting of three Demonstration Housing Projects (DHPs) in Chhattisgarh, Puducherry, and Rajasthan. Each project is set to include 40 units, exemplifying innovative, cost-efficient construction methods intended to improve the speed, quality, and sustainability of housing developments, which could potentially be replicated nationwide.
During his address, Secretary Katikithala emphasized the strategic placement of housing projects along mass transit corridors and within urban centers to enhance livability. He also suggested that successful housing models be highlighted as exemplary practices for broader adoption.
In his remarks, JS&MD Narayan stressed the importance of reaching out to eligible beneficiaries, particularly focusing on women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, to ensure fair access to housing. He urged state and territorial leaders to accelerate project execution, streamline approvals, and bolster monitoring to ensure timely completion.
Of the newly sanctioned homes, a significant portion has been reserved for women, with more than 1.60 lakh allocated to them, including special provisions for widows and unmarried women. This initiative also extends to 22,581 homes for senior citizens, and allocations for SC, ST, and OBC communities, reflecting a commitment to social inclusivity.
The PMAY-U 2.0, building on the achievements of its predecessor PMAY-U, which has been transformative since its inception in 2015, continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the living standards of the urban poor and middle-class, promoting equitable urban development and fostering social and economic stability. With 96% of the homes under specific verticals now in the name or joint name of female heads of households, the project underscores its dedication to empowering women and ensuring sustainable community development.
