About the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
- Nature: The apex ministry of the Government of India responsible for policy formulation, programme support and coordination in matters relating to housing and urban development.
- Established: Formed on 6 July 2017 through the merger of the Ministry of Urban Development and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- Nodal Ministry: Responsible for coordinating national-level initiatives concerning urban development, affordable housing, urban transport, sanitation and urban poverty alleviation.
- Constitutional Position: Urban development is primarily a State subject, with several functions devolved to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
- Objective: To promote inclusive, sustainable, planned and citizen-centric urban development across India.
Major Features and Characteristics
- Policy Formulation: Frames national policies, guidelines and programmes relating to urban planning, housing and urban infrastructure.
- Urban Governance: Supports States and Urban Local Bodies in strengthening municipal administration, governance and service delivery.
- Affordable Housing: Promotes access to affordable and adequate housing, particularly for economically weaker and low-income groups.
- Urban Infrastructure: Supports the development of water supply, sewerage, sanitation, drainage and other essential urban services.
- Urban Transport: Coordinates initiatives relating to urban mobility, public transport and sustainable transportation systems.
- Sanitation and Waste Management: Promotes urban cleanliness, scientific waste management and improved sanitation facilities.
- Urban Livelihoods: Supports initiatives aimed at improving employment opportunities and livelihoods among the urban poor.
- Institutional Coordination: Coordinates with Central Ministries, State Governments, ULBs and other agencies for implementing urban development programmes.
Major Schemes and Initiatives under MoHUA
| Scheme / Initiative | Key Objective |
| Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) | Providing affordable housing to eligible urban families. |
| Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 | Promoting garbage-free cities and sustainable sanitation. |
| AMRUT 2.0 | Ensuring universal water supply coverage and improved sewerage management in urban areas. |
| Smart Cities Mission | Promoting sustainable and technology-enabled urban development. |
| PM SVANidhi | Providing collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors. |
| PM-eBus Sewa | Strengthening urban public transport through electric buses. |
| DAY-NULM | Promoting livelihoods and self-employment among the urban poor. |
Related Constitutional Provisions
| Provision | Key Feature |
| 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 | Provided constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies. |
| Article 243P | Defines key terms relating to municipalities. |
| Article 243Q | Provides for the constitution of Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils and Municipal Corporations. |
| Article 243W | Empowers municipalities to function as institutions of self-government. |
| Twelfth Schedule | Contains 18 functions that may be entrusted to municipalities, including urban planning, water supply, sanitation and slum improvement. |
Conclusion
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs serves as the cornerstone of India’s urban transformation, driving sustainable infrastructure and inclusive development across the nation. Through its flagship missions and strategic coordination, the ministry remains vital in shaping a resilient, modernized, and equitable urban future for millions.
| This Concept Has Been Elaborately Covered In This Article: Swachh Survekshan Awards 2025–26 |