HOW POLICY BECAME PROGRESS ACROSS INDIA

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Urban)

The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Urban) has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s effort to provide affordable housing to urban residents. Launched with the vision of “Housing for All,” the scheme has significantly expanded access to safe and permanent homes for economically weaker sections and low-income groups. So far, 1.25 crore houses have been sanctioned under PMAY-Urban, with 98.10 lakh houses completed between 2015 and 2026. The programme has seen a substantial financial commitment, with a total outlay of Rs. 8.77 lakh crore and Rs. 59,318 crore disbursed as interest subsidy to make housing more affordable. A notable feature of PMAY-U 2.0 is its emphasis on women’s empowerment, with 96 percent of houses registered in the name of women, strengthening their financial security and social standing.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin)

The Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin) has played a transformative role in improving rural housing across India. Under the scheme, 3.91 crore houses have been sanctioned, out of which 3.03 crore have already been completed, significantly enhancing living conditions in rural areas. A notable feature of the programme is its emphasis on women’s empowerment, with 75 percent of beneficiaries being women, thereby strengthening their ownership and financial security.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) has been central to improving urban infrastructure and basic services. Since 2015, an investment of Rs. 2.79 lakh crore under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 has enabled the provision of 2.53 crore tap water connections and the completion of 7,943 projects. The steady rise in budget allocation, from Rs. 1,630 crore in 2014-15 to Rs. 8,000 crore in 2026–27 reflects the growing priority accorded to urban development.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has significantly strengthened rural connectivity, linking remote habitations with essential services and economic opportunities. Today, 99.6 percent of eligible habitations are connected through all-weather roads. Since 2014, 4.11 lakh kilometres of roads have been constructed, along with 10,256 bridges, facilitating access to 6.96 lakh facilities. The programme’s expanding scope is reflected in its budget, which has grown from Rs. 386 crore in 2014 -15 to Rs. 19,000 crore in 2026–27.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)

The Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) has brought about a major transformation in sanitation and waste management across cities. Door-to-door waste collection has expanded from 43 percent to 98 percent, while waste processing has increased from 16 percent to 82 percent. The construction of 63.74 lakh household toilets and 6.36 lakh community and public toilets has supported improved sanitation outcomes. As a result, 4,692 cities have achieved ODF status, 4,314 have reached ODF+ status, and 1,973 have attained ODF++ status. The programme’s scale is reflected in its increased outlay, rising from Rs. 62,009 crore in Phase I to Rs. 1.41 lakh crore in Phase II.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)

In rural India, the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) has delivered one of the most significant sanitation transformations in recent years. The construction of 12.11 crore household toilets has helped raise sanitation coverage from 39 percent to 100 percent. More than 5 lakh villages have achieved ODF Plus (Model) status, supported by the implementation of solid waste management systems in 5.31 lakh villages and liquid waste management systems in 5.50 lakh villages. The expansion of GOBARdhan plants, from just 14 in FY19 to over 1,213 by May 2026 highlights the programme’s shift towards sustainable waste management. Budget allocation has also increased from Rs. 3,929 crore in 2014–15 to Rs. 7,192 crore in 2026–27, underscoring continued commitment to rural sanitation.