The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has criticized the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) for severe delays in implementing the Tamil Nadu Affordable Urban Housing and Habitat policy and the Housing for All Plan of Action (HFAPoA). The CAG's report revealed that this delay in housing initiatives left urban poor residents living in unhygienic conditions, as only a fraction of the approved houses were completed. The report also noted that the government's failure to seek approvals for housing beyond March 2022 deprived 6.84 lakh identified houses of intended benefits, and it emphasized the need for accountability and prompt action to address these issues.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has issued a scathing critique of the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) for its significant delays in formulating the Tamil Nadu Affordable Urban Housing and Habitat policy and preparing the Housing for All Plan of Action (HFAPoA). According to the CAG, these delays have undermined the goals of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) and have resulted in urban poor residents living in unsanitary and inadequate conditions.
In a performance audit report for the year ending on March 31, 2021, which was presented in the assembly, it was revealed that, out of a total housing demand of 13.92 lakh (1.392 million) units, the TNUHDB had only obtained approval for 7.08 lakh (0.708 million) houses during the period from 2015 to 2021. Among these sanctioned houses, 3.44 lakh (0.344 million) units were completed, while the remaining 3.64 lakh (0.364 million) were at various stages of construction.
In response to these damning findings, the government explained that out of the total demand for 13.92 lakh houses, 4.84 lakh (0.484 million) were related to housing under the credit-linked subsidy scheme, which was not being overseen by the TNUHDB. Out of the remaining 9.08 lakh (0.908 million), approvals had been granted for 5.60 lakh (0.56 million) houses, and 2.94 lakh (0.294 million) houses had been constructed.
However, the CAG remained critical, pointing out that even after the completion of the target period for the mission, which was set for March 2022, the state government had not sought approval for the balance of 3.48 lakh tenements. Moreover, the government had failed to finish the construction of 2.66 lakh tenements that had been sanctioned during the mission period. This neglect meant that urban poor residents continued to endure unsanitary and substandard living conditions.
One of the major issues highlighted in the CAG report is the delay in the implementation of the state housing policy, the Tamil Nadu Affordable Urban Housing and Habitat Policy. This policy, which was formulated and approved in March 2020, should have been put into action at the commencement of the Housing for All mission. The failure to do so has caused significant delays in finding solutions for essential housing schemes, particularly those involving private partnerships and financing.
The report also highlighted the delay in completing the Housing for All Plan of Action (HFAPoA), which outlines the housing demand for all urban local bodies. Instead of being completed by June 2016, the HFAPoA was finalized in March 2022. This delay had severe consequences, as the government of India did not allow additional approvals for houses beyond March 2022. Consequently, 6.84 lakh (0.684 million) out of the 13.92 lakh (1.392 million) identified houses were deprived of the intended benefits, as the state government failed to secure approvals for them during the mission period.
In light of these findings, the CAG stressed the need for the Tamil Nadu government to take responsibility for these lapses and ensure accountability. The report underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to meet the housing needs of the urban poor and to fulfil the objectives of the PMAY-U program. It is evident that the delays and administrative shortcomings have had a detrimental impact on the lives of those in need of affordable urban housing in Tamil Nadu.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
