Govt Affordable Rental Housing Scheme: Eligibility and Allotment

The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) scheme is a Central Government initiative launched in July 2020 under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U). The scheme was introduced to provide affordable and safe rental accommodation to urban migrants and economically weaker sections (EWS) living in cities.

The initiative gained importance following the large-scale reverse migration witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many workers faced challenges in securing affordable accommodation near their workplaces. The scheme aims to provide low-cost rental housing and improve living conditions for economically vulnerable urban populations.

Who Is Eligible For The Scheme?

The scheme primarily targets urban migrants and workers engaged in the informal sector. Eligible beneficiaries include street vendors, rickshaw pullers, domestic workers, construction labourers, industrial workers and other low-income groups who often struggle to find affordable housing in cities.

The scheme also caters to economically weaker sections and individuals who require rental accommodation close to their places of work. Priority is generally given to low-income urban workers and migrants who do not have access to adequate housing facilities.

How The Scheme Works

The ARHC scheme operates through two implementation models. The first involves converting existing vacant houses built under government-funded programmes into affordable rental housing complexes. The second model encourages participation from private entities, public agencies and industries to construct, operate and manage new rental housing projects.

The objective is to create a sustainable rental housing ecosystem that can provide affordable accommodation while utilising vacant housing stock and promoting fresh investments in rental housing infrastructure.

How Allotment Is Done

The allotment process is designed to maintain transparency and ensure fair access to affordable housing. Depending on the project model, allotments are generally carried out through a transparent process facilitated by local authorities or through an e-bidding process.

The scheme focuses on providing housing close to employment centres to reduce commuting challenges and improve access to basic urban services for migrant workers and economically weaker sections.

Key Highlights

• ARHC scheme was launched in July 2020 under PMAY-U.
• The scheme provides affordable rental housing to urban migrants and economically weaker sections.
• Eligible beneficiaries include street vendors, labourers, industrial workers and other low-income groups.
• The scheme operates through conversion of vacant government housing and development of new rental projects.
• Allotments are generally conducted through transparent processes, including e-bidding and local authority facilitation.
• The initiative aims to provide safe and affordable housing near workplaces.

The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) scheme is an important step towards creating inclusive urban housing solutions for migrants and low-income groups. By expanding access to affordable rental accommodation and utilising existing housing stock, the scheme seeks to address urban housing challenges and improve living conditions for vulnerable sections of society.

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