Kailashahar and Khowai Urban Local Bodies from Tripura received national recognition on October 5 for achieving the highest completion of Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) houses against sanctioned units under PMAY-U among ULBs with populations below one lakh.
Key Takeaways
- Kailashahar and Khowai ULBs won PMAY-U Awards 2026 in the below-one-lakh population category.
- Both ULBs recorded the highest completion of BLC houses against total sanctions under PMAY-U.
- MoHUA announced that the PMAY-U Awards will be institutionalised as an annual recognition on World Habitat Day.
Kailashahar and Khowai Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have won the PMAY-U Awards 2026 in the below-one-lakh population category on World Habitat Day 2026.
The two ULBs earned the recognition for their performance in completing Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) houses against the total number of houses sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U).
The awards were presented during the national World Habitat Day 2026 celebration organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Kailashahar, Khowai recognised for PMAY-U performance
The recognition highlights the implementation of PMAY-U at the urban local-body level. Kailashahar and Khowai ULBs recorded the highest completion of BLC houses against total sanctions in their category.
The awards formed part of a wider national programme focused on strengthening the urban housing ecosystem and advancing the goal of ‘Housing for All’.
MoHUA marked World Habitat Day 2026 with the theme ‘Adequate Housing for All’. The programme focused on innovation, policy reforms, technology and sustainable financing in the urban housing sector.
The event also highlighted India’s efforts to expand access to safe, affordable, inclusive and dignified housing.
PMAY-U Awards to become an annual recognition
MoHUA announced that the PMAY-U Awards will now be institutionalised to recognise exemplary contributions and achievements by States, Union Territories, ULBs, partner agencies and other stakeholders.
The awards will be held every year on World Habitat Day.
The annual recognition will focus on innovative practices, effective implementation and outstanding efforts towards achieving ‘Housing for All’. It is also expected to encourage healthy competition and wider adoption of successful practices.
The initiative will provide a platform to recognise stakeholders that contribute to the delivery of affordable and quality housing.
Focus on PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0
The World Habitat Day programme showcased progress and diverse approaches under PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0.
Best-performing States and Union Territories were felicitated along with ULBs, partner agencies and other stakeholders. The recognition covered housing initiatives, including rental housing.
The event also featured videos highlighting best practices from across the country. These presentations showcased innovative approaches and experiences that other States and Union Territories can replicate.
The programme also highlighted efforts to strengthen the urban housing ecosystem through technology, policy interventions and sustainable financing.
New digital platforms launched
MoHUA also launched a mobile application and revamped websites for PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0.
The digital initiatives aim to improve access to information and strengthen the beneficiary experience.
The programme also included the release of publications by organisations under MoHUA. These included HUDCO, NCHF, NHB, CGEWHO and BMTPC.
A prize distribution ceremony also honoured winners of painting competitions organised by NHB, HUDCO and BMTPC for schoolchildren, including specially abled children.
Technical sessions examine housing challenges
The World Habitat Day programme included three technical sessions on emerging challenges in urban housing.
The discussions covered rental housing, regulatory frameworks, the gap between housing demand and supply, innovative construction technologies and affordable housing financing.
Policymakers, experts, financial institutions, industry representatives and other stakeholders participated in the sessions.
The discussions stressed the need to combine technological innovation with suitable financing solutions. Such an approach can support the large-scale delivery of safe, affordable and climate-resilient homes.
The sessions also underlined the importance of coordination among the Central Government, States and Union Territories, ULBs, financial institutions, private-sector players, technology providers, academia and other stakeholders.
The World Habitat Day 2026 celebrations reaffirmed the broader goal of ensuring safe, affordable and dignified housing for urban households and strengthening the vision of an inclusive and Viksit Bharat.
