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Mumbai's affordable housing scheme broadens reach as EWS income cap doubles to INR 6 lakh

In a significant move aimed at expanding affordable housing accessibility, the Central government has escalated the Economically Weaker Section's (EWS) income eligibility cap under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) to INR 6 lakh. This initiative particularly affects the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The revision, a 100% increase from the previous cap of INR 3 lakh, signifies a substantial expansion of the potential beneficiary base for affordable housing schemes facilitated by MHADA and CIDCO. Their lottery system for PMAY-U houses in urban areas will now see an increased influx of eligible applicants.

The change was brought into effect following the Maharashtra government's appeal to the central government. MHADA, in a recent press statement, emphasized that the increased income cap is targeted at enhancing the scope of affordable housing for individuals falling under the EWS category. The agency aims to bring more people under the purview of the MHADA housing lottery in MMR.

Under the AHP scheme, the Central government provides a subsidy of INR 1.5 lakh per dwelling unit. The scheme mandates that a minimum of 35% of houses in a project, which should comprise at least 250 houses, must be reserved for EWS.

Concurrently, MHADA's Mumbai board has disclosed a preliminary list of participants for the impending housing lottery, which features 4,082 flats in varying Mumbai locations. Out of a total of 1,22,235 applications, 527 have been deemed ineligible, and the evaluation process continues for 14,990 more. Consequently, 1,06,799 applicants stand eligible to partake in the lottery as of now, although the final tally may vary after MHADA announces the conclusive list on July 24.

Initially slated for July 18, the housing lottery event has been postponed, and MHADA is expected to reveal the updated schedule and venue soon.

In conclusion, this decisive move by the Central government to double the income eligibility cap for the EWS category under PMAY-U, backed by the Maharashtra government, indicates a commitment to broadening the scope of affordable housing. This initiative is expected to positively impact a larger segment of Mumbai's population, enabling more individuals to realize their dreams of owning a home.

 

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