The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) recently convened a National Conference on Affordable Housing Reforms titled “Reimagining Affordable Housing: From Scheme to Sustainable Ecosystem” at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Held on August 11, 2026, this event drew in senior policymakers, subject matter experts, and representatives from various states and key financial institutions. Their deliberations were focused on introducing reforms and innovative strategies to enhance the existing affordable housing ecosystem.

Rajiv Gauba, a member of the NITI Aayog, attended the conference as the Chief Guest, while Satendra Singh, Secretary of the Department of Urban Development at MoHUA, served as the Guest of Honour. The proceedings kicked off with a welcome address from Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary and Mission Director of Housing for All (HFA), who outlined the objectives of the gathering.

According to MoHUA, the primary goal was to create a platform for states and Union Territories (UTs) to exchange experiences and identify practical reform measures adaptable to their specific contexts.

Key Issues Discussed

During his address, Rajiv Gauba stressed the importance of land and urban planning reforms for expanding affordable housing opportunities in urban areas. He highlighted that improvements in land supply and urban planning are essential to scale up affordable housing projects. Gauba proposed eliminating land-use change fees for areas designated for affordable housing and suggested exempting these units from stamp duty to enhance project feasibility.

He also pointed to the growing necessity for rental housing, particularly for sectors such as migrant workers, students, and young professionals. He stated that reforms in tenant legislation are equally important to this endeavour. “Land is the most binding constraint in the housing sector,” he remarked, advocating for its central role in any reform agenda.

Furthermore, Gauba called for increased financial sector involvement and innovation in attracting private capital to affordable housing initiatives. He referenced a report by NITI Aayog and MoHUA, titled “A Comprehensive Framework to Promote Affordable Housing,” which outlines several measures aimed at alleviating constraints within the sector.

Comprehensive Framework for Affordable Housing

Anna Roy, Programme Director at NITI Aayog, provided context for the discussion by underlining that affordable housing is essential for creating inclusive, productive, and resilient cities. As urbanisation in India accelerates, she noted that the focus should shift from isolated housing schemes to a cohesive ecosystem that continuously supports affordable housing supply.

The conference served as a venue for stakeholders to discuss the necessity of transitioning away from a scheme-centric model. Emphasis was placed on institutional collaboration, policy reform, and innovative financing to establish an accessible and sustainable affordable housing framework.

Satendra Singh acknowledged the valuable contributions of NITI Aayog in drafting the report. He stated that affordable housing is not only a social requirement but also a significant catalyst for economic growth and employment. Singh pointed out the transformative impact of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) programme on the urban housing landscape over the past decade, highlighting its efforts to encourage women’s ownership and enhance civic amenities.

The conference included three technical sessions that addressed critical areas such as land and urban planning reforms, rental housing, and financial access. It allowed participating states to share successful practices and lessons learned, fostering a culture of peer learning and cooperative federalism.

In conclusion, the discussions and outcomes of the National Conference on Affordable Housing Reforms aimed to provide a collaborative path forward for strengthening policies and practices in the affordable housing sector. Stakeholders hope to establish a more inclusive and accessible housing environment through sustained engagement and shared experiences.

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