SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir continues to face significant housing challenges despite government efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U). According to data released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, the Union Territory has received Rs 483.48 crore in central assistance since the scheme’s inception. However, only 29,258 houses have been completed and delivered to beneficiaries, with 21,568 of these constructed in the last three years and the current financial year.
The data, presented by Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, underscores the gap in affordable housing for urban populations in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has extended the PMAY-U scheme until December 31, 2025, to complete all sanctioned houses. Under this initiative, 118.64 lakh houses have been sanctioned nationwide, with 90.25 lakh completed so far.
In comparison, Ladakh has received a significantly lower allocation, with only Rs 25.23 crore in central assistance. The region has seen the completion of just 876 houses since the scheme’s inception, with 465 built in the last three years. Given its harsh climatic conditions and remote geography, the slow progress in Ladakh further highlights the difficulties in executing housing projects in the region.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has revamped the scheme under PMAY-U 2.0, launched in September 2024. The updated programme aims to provide affordable housing to an additional one crore beneficiaries. However, for regions like Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, successful implementation will require additional policy interventions, private sector involvement, and infrastructural improvements to ensure that housing reaches those in need.
