Affordable Housing Solutions: Reducing Spending with PMAY and Gharkul Yojana

Abstract

India\'s vision for inclusive growth focuses on the importance of meeting affordable housing needs, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. The present study discusses cost-effective construction techniques using locally available sustainable materials and in conjunction with government programs like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the Gharkul Yojana. Based on a 600 sq.ft. home in Rahuri village, Maharashtra, the study discusses the use of alternative materials such as fly ash bricks, bamboo, recycled steel, and ferrocement. The use of these locally available materials not only ensures environmental sustainability but also reduces the cost by as much as 35% over conventional construction techniques. The study involves comparative analysis of conventional and sustainable materials, accurate cost calculation, environmental assessment, and strategies towards the inclusion of necessary infrastructure. Synergizing with national housing policy and focusing on a strategy of community participation, the paper develops a replicable model that can be implemented in different regions, with a call for a paradigm shift in built practices towards sustainable built practices in order to achieve the vision of \'Housing for All\' in India.

Introduction

1. Overview

The project addresses the critical need for affordable housing in rural and semi-urban India, driven by rising land prices, urban migration, and economic disparity. It proposes a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and replicable housing model, focused on a 600 sq.ft. dwelling in Rahuri village.

2. Key Objectives

• Design Low-Cost, Sustainable Homes using local materials like fly ash bricks, bamboo, recycled steel, and ferrocement.

• Leverage Government Schemes such as PMAY and Gharkul Yojana to reduce financial burdens on low-income groups.

• Ensure Climatic and Cultural Relevance through locally adapted designs.

• Promote Community Engagement and job creation in the housing sector.

• Enable Scalability and Replication for broader national implementation.

3. Problem Statement

India faces a housing shortage of over 19 million units, especially for EWS and LIG groups. Traditional materials and practices are costly and environmentally harmful. Awareness and access to government schemes are also limited. The project seeks to bridge this gap through cost-efficient, sustainable, and policy-integrated housing solutions.

4. Methodology

• Policy Analysis: Evaluated PMAY and Gharkul Yojana for financing and eligibility.

• Site Assessment: Studied Rahuri's climate, soil, labor, and materials.

• Material Selection: Chose green materials to cut costs and environmental impact.

• Cost & Sensitivity Analysis: Found ~34% savings using sustainable models over traditional ones.

• Design and Structural Planning: Focused on energy efficiency, passive ventilation, and minimal infrastructure needs.

• Financial Assessment: Calculated costs with/without subsidies to measure affordability.

• Documentation: Compiled CAD layouts, comparative cost charts, and sustainability reports.

5. Cost Comparison

Green materials not only reduce cost but also improve thermal comfort, reduce utility bills, and support local economies.

6. Results & Impact

• Demonstrated Feasibility: Sustainable housing models can significantly reduce costs while improving living standards.

• Better Health & Education Outcomes: Stable homes improve well-being, school performance, and reduce disease.

• Social & Economic Benefits: Increased disposable income, reduced poverty, lower public expenses on homelessness.

• Environmental Gains: Reduced embodied energy and improved climate resilience.

7. Case Studies (Selected Highlights)

1. Kerala Eco-Village (2020): 600 sq.ft. homes using bamboo and earth blocks at ?3.6 lakh; integrated rainwater harvesting.

2. Odisha Cyclone Relief (2020): Resilient ferrocement houses for ?3.7 lakh; quick deployment in disaster zones.

3. Latur MHADA Scheme (2017): Modular concrete units at ?4.1 lakh; high local employment.

4. Tamil Nadu Pilot (2018): 600 sq.ft. green homes using mud blocks at ?3.4 lakh; challenges with public acceptance addressed through awareness.

Conclusion

The Rahuri village, Maharashtra, affordable housing project proves that sustainable construction techniques can reduce cost and environmental footprint by half and raise the standard of living of low-income families. Using locally available, green materials like stabilized mud blocks (SMBs), fly ash bricks, bamboo, and ferrocement, the cost of building a 600 sq.ft. house was lowered by about 34% against traditional construction—?3.58 lakh versus ?5.46 lakh. Not only do these materials reduce embodied energy and greenhouse gas emissions, but they also increase thermal comfort, resulting in healthier living conditions. Integration with government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Gharkul Yojna makes it even more cost-effective and affordable to economically weaker sections. The success of the project proves the applicability of sustainable materials, low-cost design, and policy intervention in solving India\'s housing shortage, providing a replicable model for rural and semi-urban towns across the country.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Atharva Satbhai, Pranav Shahne, Om Gidde, Niraj Patange, Mrs. Samrin Bagwan. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.