Comprehensive Evaluation of PMAY(U) Scheme – A Case of Pocharam and Bairagiguda in Hyderabad

Abstract

This study evaluates the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) housing scheme in Hyderabad's Pocharam and Bairagiguda developments through a multi-dimensional post-occupancy assessment. Launched in 2015 under India's "Housing for All by 2022" initiative, PMAY-U addressed an urban housing shortage of 18.78 million units, predominantly affecting economically weaker sections and low-income groups. Using mixed methods, the research surveyed 125 beneficiary households across four PMAY verticals: In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR), Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), and Beneficiary-led Construction (BLC). The study incorporated technical infrastructure assessments, stakeholder interviews, and spatial analysis. Implementation efficacy varied significantly: CLSS achieved 100% completion, followed by BLC (70.4%), AHP (62.5%), and ISSR (31.2%). Post-occupancy evaluation revealed moderate satisfaction (geometric mean: social 6.8/10, physical 6.1/10, economic 6.7/10), with notable deficiencies in community integration, water supply, thermal comfort, and operating costs. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated declining satisfaction in social and physical dimensions while economic satisfaction improved gradually. Key implementation challenges included land availability constraints, approval delays (7.2 months versus targeted 2 months), beneficiary contribution barriers (affecting 43% of intended recipients), inadequate quality control, and institutional fragmentation. Despite challenges, PMAY enhanced overall housing conditions, with beneficiaries reporting improved satisfaction (+2.4 points), space adequacy (+2.9), and housing dignity (+3.6) compared to previous accommodations. The research proposes context-specific recommendations: improving water reliability, enhancing thermal comfort, strengthening community spaces, facilitating home-based employment through MSME linkages, establishing resident welfare associations, and implementing maintenance management systems. This study provides a replicable evaluation framework for future affordable housing initiatives and evidence-based insights for housing policy development in India's rapidly urbanizing context. Keywords: Affordable Housing, PMAY-Urban, Post-Occupancy Evaluation, Housing Policy, Urban Development, Hyderabad.