Affordable Housing in India: A Beneficiary Perspective

Abstract

Affordable housing is the need of the hour to overcome the existing housing crisis in India. About 95% housing shortage is observed in the economically weaker sections of the society. Housing for All scheme—Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, ushered in ample opportunities by establishing a lucrative model for all stakeholders. But only 38% of the sanctioned houses are constructed in the span of 5 years. Success of the scheme lies in appropriate identification of beneficiaries and creating a system with linkages for them to avail the benefits stated under the scheme. However, constructed units are lying vacant and an upsurge of 25% in unsold stock inventory is observed. Moreover, the focus of research has always been on supply side to aid the builders and financers in service delivery. This prompts a need to scrutinise the situation and identify the prevailing gaps. Interactions with stakeholders show the impediments in accessing the government affordable housing. The study has generated relevant insights from the users’ point of view regarding the various policy aspects which are yielding deviations from the outcomes as previously desired by the policy. The study is case-based orienting around affordable housing schemes in the city of Vadodara in Gujarat.