Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) released a ARHCs Knowledge Pack (AKP) via a video conference. Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, MoHUA presided over the function which was attended by senior officers of State Governments/UTs and representatives of NAREDCO, CREDAI, FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM connected through webinar. COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in massive reverse migration of workers/urban poor in the country.  In line with the Prime Minister’s clarion call of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Union Cabinet on July 8 approved Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) as a sub scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) to provide ease of living to urban migrants/poor.

ARHCs will be implemented through two models:

Model-1: Utilising existing government funded vacant houses to convert into ARHCs through Public Private Partnership or by public agencies for a period of 25 years.

The scheme provides an opportunity for all States/UTs to convert their existing vacant houses constructed under various Central/ State Government schemes into ARHCs.

A model RFP has been shared with all States for customisation and issuance by them to select a concessionaire.

Model-2: Construction, operation and maintenance of ARHCs by public/private entities on their own on available vacant land for a period of 25 years.

A large portion of available vacant land is lying unutilised with various industries, trade associations, manufacturing companies, educational/health institutions, development authorities, housing boards, Central/State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and other such entities. By providing with appropriate policy support, enabling suitable provisions and incentives, these lands can be utilised effectively for developing affordable housing facilities for migrants/poor.

Further, MoHUA will issue Expression of Interest (EoI) for shortlisting of entities by ULBs to construct, operate and maintain ARHCs on their own available vacant land.

The event had a large participation from States/UTs/ULBs from across the country, real estate industry captains and industry chambers. All stakeholders had first-hand familiarisation with ARHC scheme and its implementation tools in the form of AKP. MoHUA will extend all possible support for successful implementation of the scheme.