Consider the following statements regarding Urban Governance decentralization under 74th Constitutional Amendment:
1. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act received the President's assent on 20 April 1992 and came into force on 1 June 1993.
2. Article 243W of the Constitution empowers State Legislatures to devolve powers and responsibilities to Municipalities regarding the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
3. The 74th Amendment Act incorporated Article 243ZE to facilitate the formation of Metropolitan Planning Committees, which oversee the preparation of draft development plans for metropolitan areas as defined by the 1991 Census data.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 74th Amendment Act received Presidential assent on 20 April 1992 and became effective on 1 June 1993. Statement 2 is correct because Article 243W mandates State Legislatures to devolve powers to Municipalities for economic development and social justice, as listed in the Twelfth Schedule. Statement 3 is incorrect because, while Article 243ZE mandates the constitution of Metropolitan Planning Committees, it does not restrict the definition of metropolitan areas to the 1991 Census; instead, it empowers the Governor to specify any area as a metropolitan area having a population of ten lakhs or more, based on any census.
Consider the following statements regarding Smart Cities Mission and its impact on urban equity:
1. The Smart Cities Mission was launched in June 2015 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local area development.
2. The Smart Cities Mission guidelines provide for the selection of cities through a City Challenge Competition, where the final list of 100 cities was determined by the NITI Aayog based on the highest GDP growth rates recorded between 2011 and 2014.
3. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched in 2015 to provide basic services like water supply and sewerage, and it functions as a sub-component of the Smart Cities Mission under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Smart Cities Mission was launched in June 2015 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to promote sustainable and inclusive cities. Statement 2 is incorrect because the 100 cities were selected through a 'City Challenge Competition' based on criteria like infrastructure and service levels, not by NITI Aayog based on GDP growth. Statement 3 is incorrect because while AMRUT was launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, it is a distinct, parallel mission focused on basic infrastructure, not a sub-component of the Smart Cities Mission.
Consider the following statements regarding Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) mechanisms and land value capture:
1. Land Value Capture (LVC) tools, such as betterment levies, are implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to recover the full market cost of public infrastructure projects from local residents.
2. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, includes provisions for the automatic conversion of all slum settlements into formal housing cooperatives upon the completion of ten years of continuous occupancy.
3. The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, provides for the integration of slum rehabilitation into the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) framework, which functions as a constitutional body with state-level legislative powers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because LVC tools aim to capture a portion of the value increase generated by public investment, not the full market cost, and are primarily managed by Urban Local Bodies rather than the Ministry directly. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, focuses on regulating rental housing markets and does not contain provisions for the automatic conversion of slums into cooperatives. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Smart Cities Mission is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, and lacks constitutional status or state-level legislative powers.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban homelessness and night shelter governance:
1. Under the Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) component, the central government shares 75 percent of the funding for shelter construction and operation, while states contribute the remaining 25 percent.
2. The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, encompasses the mandatory conversion of all existing community centers into 24-hour night shelters to meet the target of zero-homelessness in selected mission cities.
3. The Supreme Court of India, in the case of E.R. Kumar v. Union of India (2010), directed state governments to ensure that at least one night shelter is available for every 100,000 urban population.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH), a component of DAY-NULM, follows a 75:25 funding ratio between the Centre and States (90:10 for North-Eastern/Himalayan states). Statement 3 is correct because the Supreme Court, in E.R. Kumar v. Union of India, mandated that states provide at least one night shelter for every 100,000 urban population to protect the right to life under Article 21. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Smart Cities Mission does not mandate the conversion of community centers into night shelters; instead, night shelter provision remains a specific objective under the DAY-NULM framework.
Consider the following statements regarding Spatial segregation and socio-economic exclusion in urban planning:
1. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) mission, launched in June 2015, utilizes a beneficiary-led individual house construction vertical to address housing shortages in notified slums.
2. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 devolved the responsibility of urban planning, including town planning and regulation of land use, to the Urban Local Bodies.
3. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, introduced in 2005, established the Basic Services to the Urban Poor component to provide legal land titles to residents of all informal settlements within municipal limits.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as PMAY-U (launched June 2015) includes the Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) vertical to assist individual eligible families in new house construction or enhancement. Statement 2 is correct because the 74th Amendment Act added the Twelfth Schedule to the Constitution, explicitly devolving town planning and land-use regulation to Urban Local Bodies. Statement 3 is incorrect because while the JNNURM (2005) aimed to improve infrastructure in slums, it did not mandate the provision of legal land titles to all informal settlements, as land remains a complex state subject often hindered by legal and tenure-related constraints.
Consider the following statements regarding Community-based monitoring in urban poverty alleviation:
1. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act provides for the creation of Ward Committees in cities with a population exceeding three lakhs, and these committees function as the final appellate authority for urban land encroachment disputes.
2. The Smart Cities Mission framework includes the 'Citizen Feedback Portal' launched in 2016, which serves as the primary legal mechanism for urban residents to veto infrastructure projects proposed by Special Purpose Vehicles.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) incorporates the 'Beneficiary-Led Construction' component, which utilizes the 2015 Socio-Economic Caste Census data to automatically transfer subsidies to urban households without requiring local municipal verification.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while the 74th Amendment mandates Ward Committees for populations over three lakhs, they are consultative bodies for local governance, not appellate authorities for land disputes. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Citizen Feedback Portal is a platform for public engagement and transparency, not a legal mechanism for citizens to veto infrastructure projects. Statement 3 is incorrect because PMAY-U utilizes the PMAY-MIS database for beneficiary identification, and all beneficiaries must undergo rigorous verification by Urban Local Bodies to ensure eligibility before subsidy disbursement.
Consider the following statements regarding Integrated Slum Development Programme (ISDP) evaluation:
1. Evaluation reports by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation noted that the ISDP utilized a 'whole-slum' approach rather than focusing on individual household improvements.
2. The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy of 2007 served as the parent legislation for the ISDP, establishing the legal framework for the transfer of ownership titles to slum dwellers.
3. The 12th Five Year Plan incorporated the ISDP as a primary mechanism for rural-urban migration management, allocating 5000 crore rupees specifically for slum sanitation infrastructure.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the ISDP aimed at holistic development through a 'whole-slum' approach, focusing on integrated infrastructure rather than isolated household interventions. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ISDP was launched in 2005 under the JNNURM framework, not the 2007 Policy, and it did not establish a legal framework for ownership titles. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ISDP was subsumed under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) by the 12th Five Year Plan, and it was not specifically designated as a mechanism for rural-urban migration management.
Consider the following statements regarding Community-based monitoring in urban poverty alleviation:
1. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 guidelines introduce the 'City Water Balance Plan', which allows community groups to bypass state-level technical committees when allocating municipal water budgets.
2. The Social Audit units under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) facilitate community-based monitoring of skill training programs through ward-level committees established as per the 2013 operational guidelines.
3. The 2011 Slum Free India initiative under the Rajiv Awas Yojana established a national registry of informal settlements that grants residents automatic property titles upon completion of a five-year residency verification period.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as DAY-NULM guidelines mandate social audits and community participation through ward-level committees to ensure transparency in skill training and beneficiary selection. Statement 1 is incorrect because the City Water Balance Plan under AMRUT 2.0 requires approval from state-level technical committees, and community groups do not have the authority to bypass these statutory bodies. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Rajiv Awas Yojana did not grant automatic property titles; it focused on a 'slum-free' vision through a 'whole-of-city' approach, with property rights remaining subject to specific state-level legislative frameworks and verification processes rather than automatic entitlement.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban land ceiling acts and their legacy on housing supply:
1. The repeal of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 was initiated by the central government in 1999 through the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Repeal Act.
2. Data from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs indicates that only a small fraction of the land declared as surplus under the 1976 Act was actually vested in state governments by the time of its repeal.
3. The 1976 Act imposed a ceiling limit on vacant land in urban agglomerations, categorized into four classes based on population density and regional economic development.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the central government enacted the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Repeal Act in 1999 to remove the restrictive 1976 legislation. Statement 2 is correct because, despite declaring over 200,000 hectares as surplus, only a negligible fraction (less than 5%) was physically acquired by state governments due to protracted litigation and administrative hurdles. Statement 3 is correct as the 1976 Act classified urban agglomerations into four categories (A, B, C, and D) based on population size, setting specific ceiling limits for vacant land in each.
Consider the following statements regarding Land Titling and Property Rights formalization:
1. The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, incorporates the Land Pooling Policy as a core component for urban expansion, a mechanism first implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the 1990s.
2. Under the Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act of 1956, competent authorities possess the legal power to declare specific urban areas as slum areas based on health and safety criteria.
3. The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy of 2007 emphasizes the role of the private sector in housing and suggests the creation of a national-level land bank managed by the National Housing Bank.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1956 empowers competent authorities to declare areas as slums based on health, safety, and sanitary conditions. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Land Pooling Policy is primarily a state-level urban planning tool (e.g., Delhi Development Authority) and is not a core component of the 2015 Smart Cities Mission. Statement 3 is incorrect because the National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy, 2007, while promoting private sector participation, does not mandate the creation of a national-level land bank managed by the National Housing Bank.
Consider the following statements regarding Spatial segregation and socio-economic exclusion in urban planning:
1. The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, allocates a portion of its funding toward area-based development, which includes retrofitting and redevelopment of existing urban neighborhoods.
2. According to the 2011 Census, the urban population of India reached 377 million, with approximately 65 million people residing in slums across various metropolitan regions.
3. The Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act of 1956 empowers competent authorities to declare an area as a slum if the buildings are unfit for human habitation or are detrimental to health.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the Smart Cities Mission (2015) mandates Area-Based Development (ABD) through retrofitting, redevelopment, and greenfield projects. Statement 2 is correct, reflecting 2011 Census data which recorded an urban population of 377 million, with nearly 65 million living in slums. Statement 3 is correct because the Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1956, provides the legal framework for authorities to notify areas as slums based on poor living conditions and health hazards.
Consider the following statements regarding Micro-finance and credit-linked subsidy schemes for urban housing:
1. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban mission period was extended in 2022 to December 2025, and the scheme now encompasses the provision of direct cash transfers for land acquisition in metropolitan areas.
2. The Urban Housing Fund, created by the Reserve Bank of India in 2012, facilitates priority sector lending for housing projects and is managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
3. The Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing the Urban Poor (ISHUP) was launched in 2008 to provide a 5% interest subsidy on loans up to Rs 1 lakh, with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) serving as the primary regulator.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because PMAY-U does not provide direct cash transfers for land acquisition, and its extension was approved until December 2024, not 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Urban Housing Fund was established by the National Housing Bank (NHB), not the RBI, to facilitate priority sector lending. Statement 3 is incorrect because while ISHUP was launched in 2008, the National Housing Bank (NHB) served as the nodal agency for interest subsidy disbursements, not HUDCO.
Consider the following statements regarding Migration-led urbanization and informal sector vulnerability:
1. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022-23, a significant proportion of urban informal workers remain outside the ambit of formal social security schemes like the Employees' Provident Fund.
2. The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) scheme, introduced as a sub-scheme under PMAY-U in 2020, targets migrant laborers and urban poor residing in informal settlements.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) mission, launched in June 2015, adopts a demand-driven approach to provide pucca houses to eligible urban beneficiaries.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as PLFS data consistently highlights that a vast majority of urban informal workers lack access to formal social security benefits like EPF. Statement 2 is correct because the ARHCs scheme was launched in 2020 under PMAY-U specifically to provide dignified rental housing to migrant workers and the urban poor. Statement 3 is correct as PMAY-U, launched in June 2015, operates on a demand-driven model where states and urban local bodies identify beneficiaries to ensure 'Housing for All' through pucca construction.
Consider the following statements regarding Micro-finance and credit-linked subsidy schemes for urban housing:
1. The Rajiv Rinn Yojana, launched in 2013, offered interest subsidies on housing loans for EWS and LIG segments and was merged into the PMAY-U framework during the 2019 Union Budget.
2. The Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) vertical under PMAY-U provides central assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh per house, and the scheme is currently overseen by the Ministry of Finance.
3. The Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) under PMAY-U provides an interest subsidy of 6.5% for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low Income Group (LIG) categories on home loans up to Rs 6 lakh.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the CLSS vertical under PMAY-U provides a 6.5% interest subsidy on loans up to Rs 6 lakh for EWS/LIG beneficiaries. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Rajiv Rinn Yojana was merged into PMAY-U at its inception in 2015, not in the 2019 Union Budget. Statement 2 is incorrect because the AHP vertical is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), and the central assistance provided under this vertical is Rs 1.5 lakh per house, not Rs 2.5 lakh.
Consider the following statements regarding Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) legacy and outcomes:
1. The 2005 JNNURM framework included the BSUP as a core mission and established the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns as a sub-component for cities with populations under 100,000.
2. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs implemented the BSUP framework through the 2006 Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme, which extended central funding to all towns regardless of their demographic size.
3. The BSUP mission was governed by the 2004 National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy, which introduced the concept of public-private partnerships for slum redevelopment in cities with populations exceeding 500,000.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) was a separate sub-mission of JNNURM, not a sub-component of BSUP. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) was specifically designed for towns not covered under the BSUP mission, which was restricted to 63 selected mission cities. Statement 3 is incorrect because the BSUP mission was governed by the JNNURM framework, and the National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy (NUHHP) was only introduced in 2007, not 2004.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban Poverty Alleviation through DAY-NULM:
1. The DAY-NULM framework incorporates the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) to provide collateral-free loans, and the scheme is currently implemented in all census towns with a population exceeding 50,000.
2. Under the Self-Employment Programme (SEP) component of DAY-NULM, the interest subvention on bank loans for individual micro-enterprises is provided for loans up to 2 lakh rupees.
3. The Social Mobilization and Institution Development (SM&ID) component facilitates the formation of Self-Help Groups, which are eligible for a revolving fund of 20,000 rupees after six months of successful operation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the Self-Employment Programme (SEP) provides interest subvention on bank loans for individual micro-enterprises up to 2 lakh rupees. Statement 1 is incorrect because DAY-NULM is implemented in all statutory towns, not just census towns with a population exceeding 50,000, and it utilizes the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) to facilitate collateral-free loans for groups, not individual enterprises. Statement 3 is incorrect because the revolving fund provided to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the SM&ID component is 10,000 rupees, not 20,000 rupees.
Consider the following statements regarding Integrated Slum Development Programme (ISDP) evaluation:
1. The programme aimed to provide security of tenure to slum dwellers by facilitating the regularization of land rights within the designated project areas.
2. Under the ISDP framework, the central government provided 80 percent of the project cost as Additional Central Assistance to states for slum infrastructure development.
3. The Integrated Slum Development Programme (ISDP) was launched in 2005 as a component of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission to address the housing needs of the urban poor.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct. The Integrated Slum Development Programme (ISDP) was launched in 2005 as a key component of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) to provide holistic slum development. Under its framework, the central government provided 80 percent of the project cost as Additional Central Assistance to states, while the remaining 20 percent was contributed by the states or urban local bodies. Furthermore, the programme explicitly aimed to improve the living conditions of the urban poor by facilitating security of tenure and regularizing land rights for slum dwellers.
Consider the following statements regarding Migration-led urbanization and informal sector vulnerability:
1. The Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY), initiated in 2011, aimed at a slum-free India and was succeeded by the PMAY-U in 2015, which continues the RAY practice of providing direct land titles to all residents of unauthorized colonies.
2. The 2011 Census of India recorded that approximately 17.4% of the total urban population in India resides in notified and non-notified slums.
3. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) focuses on universal coverage of water supply and sewerage connections in 500 selected cities across India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because while PMAY-U succeeded RAY, it does not mandate the provision of direct land titles to all residents of unauthorized colonies, focusing instead on affordable housing through various verticals like beneficiary-led construction. Statement 2 is correct as per the 2011 Census, which reported that 65.5 million people, or roughly 17.4% of the urban population, lived in slums. Statement 3 is correct because AMRUT, launched in 2015, specifically targets universal coverage in water supply, sewerage, and septage management across 500 cities to improve urban infrastructure.
Consider the following statements regarding Housing for All (PMAY-U) implementation challenges:
1. The PMAY-U mission utilizes the Geo-tagging of assets through the Bhuvan portal, which is managed by the National Remote Sensing Centre and covers the mandatory verification of all rural housing units constructed under the scheme.
2. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) model, which functions under the In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) vertical, utilizes land as a resource to provide houses to slum dwellers and is governed by the National Urban Housing Fund established in 2017.
3. The Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) vertical under PMAY-U involves a partnership with public and private sectors, with a minimum of 35% of houses in such projects earmarked for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct because the AHP vertical under PMAY-U mandates that at least 35% of houses in a project must be for the EWS category to qualify for Central Assistance. Statement 1 is incorrect because PMAY-U is an urban-focused mission, whereas the Bhuvan-based geo-tagging for rural units pertains to PMAY-Gramin. Statement 2 is incorrect because while the SRA model uses land as a resource, it is primarily a state-level mechanism (e.g., in Maharashtra) and is not governed by the National Urban Housing Fund, which is a dedicated fund for raising extra-budgetary resources for PMAY-U.
Consider the following statements regarding Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) mechanisms and land value capture:
1. Under the SRA scheme, the Floor Space Index (FSI) for rehabilitation projects is often granted up to 3.0 or the permissible limit as per the prevailing Development Control Regulations to incentivize private developers.
2. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Maharashtra was established under the provisions of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) mission, launched in June 2015, incorporates the 'In-situ Slum Redevelopment' (ISSR) vertical using land as a resource for private sector participation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as high FSI (often 3.0 or more) is the primary incentive used to make slum redevelopment financially viable for private developers by allowing them to build extra saleable area. Statement 2 is correct because the SRA was established in 1995 under the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971, to act as a single-window clearance agency for slum rehabilitation projects. Statement 3 is correct as the PMAY-U mission, launched in June 2015, explicitly mandates the 'In-situ Slum Redevelopment' (ISSR) vertical, which leverages land as a resource to partner with private developers for housing construction.
Consider the following statements regarding Slum-free City Planning and In-situ Redevelopment models:
1. Under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) launched in 2013, the central government provided financial assistance to states for slum redevelopment and the creation of affordable housing stock.
2. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) includes the In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) vertical, which utilizes land as a resource to provide houses to eligible slum dwellers.
3. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), launched in 2005, introduced the concept of the 'Slum-free City Plan of Action' as a mandatory component for all Tier-I cities.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY), launched in 2013, aimed to provide financial assistance to states for creating slum-free cities through redevelopment and affordable housing. Statement 2 is correct because PMAY-U includes the In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) vertical, which leverages land as a resource to partner with private developers for housing slum dwellers. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 'Slum-free City Plan of Action' was a core component of RAY, not JNNURM, which focused primarily on infrastructure development and basic services for the urban poor under the Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) sub-mission.
Consider the following statements regarding Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in social housing:
1. The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, provides for the conversion of all informal urban settlements into formal ownership-based housing units through the direct transfer of land titles to the central government.
2. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) model, pioneered in Maharashtra, leverages land as a resource by granting additional Transferable Development Rights (TDR) to private developers who construct free housing for slum dwellers.
3. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) introduced the Affordable Housing Policy in 2018, which encourages private developers to include affordable housing components in larger residential projects through floor area ratio (FAR) incentives.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Smart Cities Mission focuses on area-based development and infrastructure rather than direct land title transfers to the central government. Statement 2 is correct as the SRA model incentivizes private developers by granting TDRs in exchange for constructing free housing for slum dwellers on the same land. Statement 3 is correct because the 2018 Affordable Housing Policy under MoHUA incentivizes developers to integrate affordable units into larger projects through FAR concessions to address urban housing shortages.
Consider the following statements regarding Climate resilience and disaster vulnerability of informal settlements:
1. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) encompasses the direct funding of disaster-proof housing construction for residents living in informal settlements located in coastal districts.
2. The 2019 UN-Habitat report on urban resilience suggests that informal settlements contribute to city-wide carbon sequestration through the high density of their residents and the use of locally sourced building materials.
3. The 2017 Draft National Urban Housing Policy includes provisions that permit municipal corporations to bypass environmental impact assessments for slum redevelopment projects located in ecologically sensitive zones.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because AMRUT focuses on infrastructure development like water supply and sewerage, not direct funding for disaster-proof housing construction. Statement 2 is incorrect as informal settlements are characterized by high vulnerability to climate change and lack of green infrastructure, rather than contributing to carbon sequestration. Statement 3 is incorrect because Indian environmental laws, including the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, do not permit bypassing mandatory environmental clearances for redevelopment projects in ecologically sensitive zones.
Consider the following statements regarding Land Titling and Property Rights formalization:
1. The SVAMITVA scheme, initiated in April 2020, focuses on the preparation of property cards for rural households using drone technology and GIS mapping.
2. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, proposes the establishment of a Rent Authority and a Rent Court to adjudicate disputes between landlords and tenants in urban areas.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) mission, launched in June 2015, includes a vertical for In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) using land as a resource.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: The SVAMITVA scheme (launched April 2020) provides 'Records of Rights' to rural households using drone-based mapping; the Model Tenancy Act (2021) mandates the creation of Rent Authorities and Courts to streamline rental dispute resolution; and PMAY-U (launched June 2015) explicitly includes the In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) vertical, which leverages land as a resource to provide formal housing for slum dwellers.
Consider the following statements regarding Rental Housing Market Regulation and Model Tenancy Act:
1. The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) scheme was introduced as a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban in July 2020.
2. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, provides that a landlord is entitled to enter the rented premises for inspection after giving a notice of at least 24 hours.
3. The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy, 2007, emphasizes the role of public-private partnerships in addressing the shortage of rental housing in metropolitan areas.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the ARHCs scheme was launched in July 2020 under PMAY-U to provide dignified living for urban migrants and the poor. Statement 2 is correct because the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, mandates a minimum 24-hour notice for landlords to conduct inspections, ensuring a balance between property rights and tenant privacy. Statement 3 is correct as the 2007 Policy explicitly advocates for public-private partnerships to bridge the housing deficit, making all three statements accurate.
Consider the following statements regarding Climate resilience and disaster vulnerability of informal settlements:
1. The National Disaster Management Authority guidelines of 2009 include provisions for the automatic granting of land titles to residents of informal settlements located within designated flood-prone zones.
2. The 2016 Habitat III Conference in Quito adopted the New Urban Agenda, which allows for the immediate privatization of common land in informal settlements to facilitate private investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.
3. The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, provides for the mandatory relocation of all informal settlements to peripheral zones to reduce population density and improve disaster response times in city centers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
All three statements are incorrect because no such policies exist: the NDMA guidelines focus on disaster mitigation and risk reduction rather than granting land titles, the New Urban Agenda emphasizes inclusive, sustainable urban development and the protection of common spaces rather than privatization, and the Smart Cities Mission encourages in-situ slum redevelopment and integration rather than mandatory relocation to peripheral zones.
Consider the following statements regarding Land Titling and Property Rights formalization:
1. The Rajiv Awas Yojana, introduced in 2011, aimed at a slum-free India and utilized the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) model originally pioneered by the Delhi Development Authority.
2. The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act of 1976 provided for the acquisition of excess vacant land in urban agglomerations and was repealed by the Parliament in 2005 to facilitate private investment.
3. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, covers both residential and commercial projects and includes provisions for the mandatory registration of all property titles with the state revenue department.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the SRA model was pioneered by the Government of Maharashtra in Mumbai, not the Delhi Development Authority. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act was repealed in 1999, not 2005. Statement 3 is incorrect because while RERA 2016 covers residential and commercial projects, it mandates the registration of projects with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, not the state revenue department, and does not guarantee the legal title of properties.
Consider the following statements regarding Housing for All (PMAY-U) implementation challenges:
1. The Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) under PMAY-U provides interest subvention for Middle Income Groups with an annual income up to 18 lakh rupees, and the scheme was extended until December 2025 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
2. Under the Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) vertical of PMAY-U, central assistance of 1.5 lakh rupees is provided to individual eligible families for the construction of new houses.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) was launched on 25 June 2015 to address the housing shortage in urban areas by providing central assistance to implementing agencies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the BLC vertical provides a fixed central assistance of ₹1.5 lakh per house for eligible beneficiaries, and Statement 3 is correct as PMAY-U was indeed launched on 25 June 2015 to achieve 'Housing for All' in urban areas. Statement 1 is incorrect because, while the CLSS component covers Middle Income Groups (MIG I and II), the PMAY-U mission period was extended only until 31 December 2024, not 2025, and the CLSS vertical specifically concluded on 31 March 2022.
Consider the following statements regarding Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) legacy and outcomes:
1. The Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY), introduced in 2011, succeeded the BSUP framework with a primary focus on creating slum-free cities through property rights and infrastructure upgrades.
2. The Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) sub-mission was launched in 2005 as a component of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) to provide integrated development of slums.
3. Under the BSUP guidelines, the central government provided financial assistance to states in the form of Additional Central Assistance (ACA) to cover up to 50 percent of the project costs in cities with a population of over 1 million.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as RAY was launched in 2011 to replace BSUP, aiming for 'slum-free' cities through property rights and infrastructure. Statement 2 is correct because BSUP was indeed a core sub-mission under the JNNURM launched in 2005 to address integrated slum development. Statement 3 is correct as the BSUP guidelines mandated that the Central Government provide Additional Central Assistance (ACA) covering up to 50 percent of project costs for cities with a population exceeding 1 million, with the remaining share covered by states and urban local bodies.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban land ceiling acts and their legacy on housing supply:
1. Section 20 of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 allowed state governments to grant exemptions to landholders for the construction of housing for the weaker sections of society.
2. The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 established a uniform ceiling limit of 500 square meters for vacant land across all urban agglomerations regardless of their population classification.
3. The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act was enacted by the Parliament in 1976 to prevent the concentration of urban property in the hands of a few individuals.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as Section 20 empowered state governments to grant exemptions for housing projects aimed at weaker sections, though this provision was often misused. Statement 3 is correct because the 1976 Act was specifically enacted under Article 252 to prevent the concentration of urban land and ensure equitable distribution. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Act did not impose a uniform 500 sqm limit; instead, it categorized urban agglomerations into four categories (A to D) with ceiling limits ranging from 500 to 2,000 square meters based on population density.
Consider the following statements regarding Slum-free City Planning and In-situ Redevelopment models:
1. The Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act of 1956 empowers the competent authority to declare any area a slum if the buildings are unfit for human habitation or are detrimental to health.
2. The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy (NUHHP) of 2007 established the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) to provide interest subvention for urban poor households seeking home loans from commercial banks.
3. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act of 2016 includes provisions for the compulsory registration of all slum redevelopment projects, regardless of the land area or the number of dwelling units involved.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1956, empowers competent authorities to declare areas unfit for human habitation or hazardous to health as slums. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) was introduced under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) in 2015, not the 2007 policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because RERA, 2016, exempts projects where the land area does not exceed 500 square meters or the number of apartments does not exceed eight, including redevelopment projects.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban Poverty Alleviation through DAY-NULM:
1. The Support to Urban Street Vendors (SUSV) component includes the conduct of a socio-economic survey to identify beneficiaries, and the survey data is linked directly to the Aadhar-enabled Public Distribution System.
2. The mission provides for the creation of City Livelihood Centres to offer services to the urban poor, and these centers operate under the direct administrative control of the State Urban Development Agencies.
3. The Interest Subvention Programme under DAY-NULM allows urban poor households to access credit at a reduced rate of 7 percent, and the difference between the lending rate and the subvention is reimbursed through the Reserve Bank of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the SUSV component does not mandate linking survey data to the Aadhar-enabled PDS. Statement 2 is incorrect as City Livelihood Centres are typically managed by Urban Local Bodies or NGOs in a PPP mode, not under the direct administrative control of State Urban Development Agencies. Statement 3 is incorrect because interest subvention is provided by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, not the Reserve Bank of India, and the subvention is calculated to ensure the effective rate of interest for the borrower is 7 percent, with the difference reimbursed by the Ministry.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban homelessness and night shelter governance:
1. The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) provides for the creation of permanent night shelters for the urban homeless in cities with a population of over 100,000.
2. The 2013 National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy refers to the creation of a dedicated National Homelessness Fund, which is managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to distribute grants to municipal corporations.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban, launched in 2015, includes provisions for the direct construction of night shelters as a primary vertical to address the housing deficit for the floating population.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) component under DAY-NULM mandates permanent all-weather shelters for the urban homeless, typically in cities with a population of 100,000 or more. Statement 2 is incorrect because there is no such 'National Homelessness Fund' managed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment; funding for shelters is primarily routed through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under DAY-NULM. Statement 3 is incorrect because PMAY-U focuses on 'Housing for All' through four specific verticals (ISSR, CLSS, AHP, and BLC) and does not include the construction of night shelters as a primary vertical, which remains the domain of the SUH component.
Consider the following statements regarding Spatial segregation and socio-economic exclusion in urban planning:
1. The Rajiv Awas Yojana, formulated in 2013, introduced the concept of slum-free cities and provided for the automatic conversion of all leased land into freehold property for residents living in notified slums since 1995.
2. The Model Tenancy Act of 2021 provides for the establishment of a Rent Authority in each district and allows for the immediate eviction of tenants who fail to pay rent for a period exceeding three consecutive months.
3. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act of 2016 covers all residential projects and includes a provision that prohibits the sale of any apartment in a project until the local municipal corporation issues a completion certificate.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) was launched in 2011, not 2013, and it did not mandate automatic conversion of all leased land to freehold. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, specifies that a tenant can be evicted if they fail to pay rent for two months, not three, and it mandates a Rent Authority for each district/city. Statement 3 is incorrect because RERA (2016) applies to projects exceeding 500 square meters or 8 apartments, and it does not prohibit the sale of apartments until a completion certificate is issued; rather, it mandates registration of projects before marketing or selling units.
Consider the following statements regarding Integrated Slum Development Programme (ISDP) evaluation:
1. States participating in the ISDP were expected to implement the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act to devolve functions to Urban Local Bodies for effective slum governance.
2. The ISDP was introduced under the Rajiv Awas Yojana in 2009 to replace the Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana, focusing on the creation of slum-free cities through central funding.
3. The ISDP guidelines prioritized the construction of multi-storied housing units to optimize land utilization in densely populated metropolitan regions.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the ISDP mandated the implementation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act to ensure the devolution of powers to Urban Local Bodies for sustainable slum governance. Statement 3 is correct because the program emphasized vertical expansion and multi-storied construction to maximize land use efficiency in high-density urban areas. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ISDP was actually a component of the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) launched in 2005 under JNNURM, whereas the Rajiv Awas Yojana was a distinct, later initiative launched in 2011.
Consider the following statements regarding Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in social housing:
1. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) incorporates the 'Affordable Housing in Partnership' (AHP) vertical, which provides central assistance of ₹1.5 lakh per house for projects where at least 35% of the houses are reserved for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.
2. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), launched in 2005, introduced the Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) component which established a nationalized rental housing registry for all metropolitan cities.
3. Under the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, the establishment of Rent Authorities and Rent Courts is intended to streamline the rental housing market by providing a framework for dispute resolution between landlords and tenants.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the AHP vertical under PMAY-U provides ₹1.5 lakh central assistance per EWS house, provided at least 35% of the project's dwelling units are reserved for EWS. Statement 3 is correct because the Model Tenancy Act, 2021 mandates the creation of Rent Authorities and Rent Courts to balance the interests of landlords and tenants through a structured dispute resolution mechanism. Statement 2 is incorrect because while JNNURM did include the BSUP component to provide basic services, it did not establish a nationalized rental housing registry for metropolitan cities.
Consider the following statements regarding Migration-led urbanization and informal sector vulnerability:
1. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provides for the decentralization of urban governance, and the 12th Schedule of the Constitution includes urban planning and slum improvement as functions of the District Planning Committee.
2. The National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), launched in 2013, provides for the establishment of urban street vendor zones and is governed by the 2014 Street Vendors Act which grants permanent land ownership rights to vendors.
3. The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, includes provisions for area-based development that integrates slum redevelopment strategies with core urban infrastructure upgrades.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Smart Cities Mission focuses on area-based development, which often includes slum rehabilitation and infrastructure integration. Statement 1 is incorrect because the 12th Schedule lists urban planning and slum improvement as functions of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), not the District Planning Committee. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Street Vendors Act of 2014 provides for the regulation of street vending and protection of livelihoods, but it does not grant permanent land ownership rights to vendors.
Consider the following statements regarding Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and housing accessibility:
1. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) encompasses the development of green spaces, and its 2016 guidelines link central funding directly to the implementation of the 2005 National Building Code.
2. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's Phase IV expansion includes provisions for social housing, and the project is funded through the 2014 Transit-Oriented Development Fund established by the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, provides for the conversion of all existing slum clusters into high-density transit hubs through the 2019 Urban Land Ceiling Act amendments.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because AMRUT guidelines do not link central funding directly to the 2005 National Building Code, but rather to the implementation of mandatory urban reforms. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no '2014 Transit-Oriented Development Fund' established by the RBI; DMRC Phase IV is primarily funded through equity and loans from agencies like JICA. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Smart Cities Mission does not mandate the conversion of all slum clusters into transit hubs, and the Urban Land Ceiling (Regulation) Act was actually repealed in 1999, not amended in 2019 for this purpose.
Consider the following statements regarding Smart Cities Mission and its impact on urban equity:
1. The Smart Cities Mission emphasizes area-based development, which involves retrofitting or redevelopment of specific zones, and the guidelines designate the District Magistrate as the ex-officio chairperson of the Special Purpose Vehicle in every selected city.
2. The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) functions as the brain of the smart city, facilitating real-time monitoring of traffic, water supply, and waste management services across the selected 100 cities.
3. Under the Smart Cities Mission, the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is responsible for the implementation of smart city projects at the city level, with the state and the urban local body holding equal equity shareholding.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is headed by a CEO, not the District Magistrate, and the chairperson is typically the Municipal Commissioner or a state-appointed official. Statement 2 is correct as the ICCC acts as the central hub for real-time monitoring of essential urban services across all 100 mission cities. Statement 3 is correct because the SPV is a limited company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, with the State Government and the Urban Local Body (ULB) holding equal 50:50 equity shareholding.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban Governance decentralization under 74th Constitutional Amendment:
1. Article 243ZD of the Constitution provides for the constitution of a District Planning Committee to consolidate the plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities in the district.
2. State Finance Commissions are constituted under Article 243Y to review the financial position of municipalities and make recommendations regarding the distribution of taxes between the State and urban local bodies.
3. The 74th Amendment includes provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in every municipality in proportion to their population.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: Article 243ZD mandates District Planning Committees to integrate rural and urban development plans, while Article 243Y empowers State Finance Commissions to oversee the fiscal devolution from states to municipalities. Furthermore, Article 243T of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) explicitly mandates the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in municipalities based on their population proportion, alongside a minimum one-third reservation for women.
Consider the following statements regarding Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and housing accessibility:
1. As of the 2011 Census, the urban population of India reached 377 million, prompting the integration of land-use planning with public transport networks to mitigate the growth of informal settlements near transit corridors.
2. The 2018 Model Tenancy Act is associated with the promotion of rental housing, and it includes provisions that permit state governments to fix the maximum rent for transit-adjacent properties based on the 2011 Consumer Price Index.
3. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act of 2016 provides for the registration of housing projects, and it incorporates a specific clause that grants transit authorities the power to override municipal zoning laws for projects near railway tracks.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the 2011 Census recorded India's urban population at 377 million, necessitating TOD policies to integrate land-use with transit to curb urban sprawl and informal settlements. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Model Tenancy Act, 2021 (not 2018) does not empower states to fix maximum rents, but rather relies on market-driven agreements between landlords and tenants. Statement 3 is incorrect because RERA, 2016 focuses on consumer protection and project transparency, and it does not grant transit authorities the legal power to override municipal zoning laws.
Consider the following statements regarding Smart Cities Mission and its impact on urban equity:
1. The Smart Cities Mission framework includes provisions for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, where the central government provides 75% of the total project cost while the private sector contributes the remaining 25% through long-term debt financing.
2. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) was initiated in 2015 to achieve the goal of 'Housing for All' by 2022, and it operates under the same administrative SPV structure as the Smart Cities Mission to ensure unified urban governance.
3. The Smart City Advisory Forum is a body established under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act to oversee the financial auditing of projects and to approve the annual budget allocations for urban infrastructure.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Smart Cities Mission follows a 50:50 funding pattern between the Centre and States/ULBs, not a 75:25 PPP debt model. Statement 2 is false as PMAY-U is a separate mission implemented through state-level nodal agencies rather than the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure specific to the Smart Cities Mission. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Smart City Advisory Forum is a consultative body established under the mission guidelines to advise on project implementation, not a statutory body created by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.
Consider the following statements regarding Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) mechanisms and land value capture:
1. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act provides for the creation of Ward Committees in urban areas, and these committees possess the legal authority to approve large-scale land acquisition for SRA projects.
2. The Rajiv Awas Yojana, initiated in 2011, introduced the concept of 'Slum-Free India' and established the National Slum Rehabilitation Fund under the direct oversight of the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The Transferable Development Rights (TDR) mechanism allows developers to utilize surplus FSI generated from slum redevelopment projects in other designated zones of the city as defined by the municipal corporation.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as TDR allows developers to monetize surplus Floor Space Index (FSI) from slum redevelopment in designated receiving zones to incentivize private participation. Statement 1 is incorrect because Ward Committees under the 74th Amendment act as consultative bodies for local planning and do not possess the legal authority to approve large-scale land acquisitions, which remain under state/municipal jurisdiction. Statement 2 is incorrect because while Rajiv Awas Yojana (2011) aimed for a 'Slum-Free India,' it did not establish a National Slum Rehabilitation Fund under the RBI; funding was primarily routed through central and state budgetary allocations.
Consider the following statements regarding Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) legacy and outcomes:
1. The 12th Five Year Plan document integrated the BSUP mission into the Smart Cities Mission to leverage digital land mapping and biometric identification for the distribution of central housing grants.
2. The 12th Five Year Plan report noted that the BSUP mission facilitated the construction or upgradation of approximately 1.2 million dwelling units across 65 identified mission cities.
3. The Rajiv Awas Yojana, launched in 2011, incorporated the BSUP assets into the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to provide universal credit-linked interest subsidies for all urban dwellers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct as the 12th Five Year Plan documented the construction or upgradation of approximately 1.2 million dwelling units under the BSUP mission. Statement 1 is incorrect because BSUP was subsumed under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) and subsequently the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), not the Smart Cities Mission. Statement 3 is incorrect because while PMAY-Urban succeeded earlier schemes, it does not provide universal credit-linked interest subsidies for all urban dwellers, but rather targets specific Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Groups (LIG), and Middle Income Groups (MIG) based on income criteria.
Consider the following statements regarding Rental Housing Market Regulation and Model Tenancy Act:
1. The ARHCs scheme provides for the conversion of existing government-funded vacant houses into rental units and is overseen by the Ministry of Finance.
2. The 2021 Model Tenancy Act framework allows for the automatic eviction of tenants upon the expiry of the lease period without the intervention of the Rent Court.
3. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, is based on the recommendations of the NITI Aayog committee report published in 2018 and covers both commercial and residential properties.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) scheme is overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, not the Ministry of Finance. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Model Tenancy Act mandates that if a tenant does not vacate after the lease expiry, the landlord must approach the Rent Court/Tribunal for an eviction order rather than executing it automatically. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Act is primarily designed for residential premises and is based on the 2015 draft policy by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, not a 2018 NITI Aayog report.
Consider the following statements regarding Community-based monitoring in urban poverty alleviation:
1. The Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 guidelines introduce the 'Jan Andolan' component, which grants community-based organizations the authority to impose administrative fines on municipal corporations for delayed waste collection services.
2. The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy of 2007 encourages public-private partnerships in slum redevelopment and grants private developers the power to override local community monitoring committees in designated high-density zones.
3. The Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) provides for the establishment of local monitoring cells that report directly to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, bypassing the state-level nodal agencies.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because SBM-U 2.0's 'Jan Andolan' focuses on behavioral change and public participation rather than granting community bodies punitive authority over municipal corporations. Statement 2 is incorrect as the National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy 2007 emphasizes inclusive development and participatory planning, explicitly rejecting the override of community committees by private developers. Statement 3 is incorrect because UIDSSMT operates under the JNNURM framework, where monitoring is decentralized through State Level Nodal Agencies (SLNAs) to ensure federal accountability, rather than bypassing them for direct central control.
Consider the following statements regarding Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) framework:
1. Model 1 of the ARHCs involves the utilization of existing government-funded vacant houses through a Public-Private Partnership or by public agencies.
2. The ARHCs framework was introduced as a part of the Smart Cities Mission in 2018 to provide affordable housing options for gig economy workers in metropolitan areas.
3. The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) scheme was launched in 2020 as a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Model 1 of ARHCs focuses on converting existing government-funded vacant houses into rental units via Public-Private Partnerships, and the scheme was indeed launched in 2020 as a sub-scheme under PMAY-U to support urban migrants. Statement 2 is incorrect because ARHCs were launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs as part of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, not as part of the Smart Cities Mission in 2018.
Consider the following statements regarding Rental Housing Market Regulation and Model Tenancy Act:
1. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, proposes the establishment of a Rent Authority in every district to facilitate the registration of tenancy agreements.
2. Under the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, the security deposit for residential premises is capped at a maximum of two months' rent.
3. The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, includes the development of affordable rental housing complexes as a component of urban infrastructure planning.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, mandates the establishment of a Rent Authority in every district to register tenancy agreements and caps the security deposit for residential premises at two months' rent to protect tenants. Furthermore, the Smart Cities Mission integrates the development of Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) as a key sub-scheme to provide dignified living spaces for urban migrants and the poor. All three statements are factually accurate under current Indian urban governance policies.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban Poverty Alleviation through DAY-NULM:
1. The Employment through Skills Training and Placement (EST&P) component focuses on market-led training, and the mission currently allocates 40 percent of its total budget to the development of urban street vendor infrastructure.
2. The Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) component is funded through a 75:25 central-state sharing ratio, and it is currently governed by the provisions of the 2005 National Urban Housing Policy.
3. The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation in September 2013.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as DAY-NULM was launched in September 2013 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (now Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs). Statement 1 is incorrect because while EST&P focuses on skill development, there is no fixed 40 percent budget allocation for street vendor infrastructure under this component. Statement 2 is incorrect because the funding ratio for SUH is 60:40 between the Centre and States (90:10 for North Eastern/Himalayan states), and the mission is governed by its own operational guidelines rather than the 2005 National Urban Housing Policy.
Consider the following statements regarding Micro-finance and credit-linked subsidy schemes for urban housing:
1. The Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank, established in April 2015, provides refinance support to microfinance institutions that extend credit to urban self-employed individuals for small-scale housing improvements.
2. The National Housing Bank (NHB) acts as a Central Nodal Agency (CNA) for the implementation of the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme, facilitating the disbursement of interest subsidies to Primary Lending Institutions.
3. Under the PMAY-U framework, the carpet area for EWS category houses was increased from 30 square meters to 60 square meters in 2017 to improve the viability of affordable housing projects.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as MUDRA, launched in 2015, provides refinance support to MFIs that extend credit for various micro-enterprise activities, including small-scale housing improvements for the self-employed. Statement 2 is correct because the National Housing Bank (NHB) serves as a Central Nodal Agency (CNA) under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) of PMAY-U to channel interest subsidies to beneficiaries through Primary Lending Institutions. Statement 3 is correct as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs increased the carpet area for EWS category houses from 30 to 60 square meters in 2017 to enhance the attractiveness and viability of affordable housing projects for developers and beneficiaries.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban homelessness and night shelter governance:
1. Guidelines for the Shelter for Urban Homeless specify that each resident should be provided with a minimum of 50 square feet of space within the shelter facility.
2. The 2011 Census of India recorded approximately 938,000 homeless individuals residing in urban areas across the country.
3. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the 'Shelter for Urban Homeless' scheme in 2013 to provide basic amenities such as water, electricity, and sanitation to homeless populations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the operational guidelines for the Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) mandate a minimum space of 50 square feet per person to ensure dignified living. Statement 2 is correct because the 2011 Census officially enumerated 938,348 homeless individuals in urban India. Statement 3 is correct as the SUH scheme, a component of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), was launched in 2013 to provide permanent shelters equipped with essential services like water, sanitation, and electricity.
Consider the following statements regarding Slum-free City Planning and In-situ Redevelopment models:
1. The Smart Cities Mission guidelines of 2015 provide for the conversion of all informal settlements into formal housing colonies through the direct allocation of central grants to municipal corporations.
2. The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) scheme, introduced in 2020, focuses on converting existing government-funded housing projects into rental units managed by private developers under a 99-year lease agreement.
3. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, proposes the establishment of a Rent Authority and a Rent Court to regulate the rental housing market and balance the interests of landlords and tenants.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 3 is correct as the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, mandates the establishment of a Rent Authority and Rent Court to adjudicate disputes and formalize rental agreements. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Smart Cities Mission focuses on area-based development and infrastructure rather than direct central grants for universal slum conversion, which is typically addressed under the PMAY-U (In-situ Slum Redevelopment). Statement 2 is incorrect because the ARHCs scheme, launched under the AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, involves converting existing government-funded housing into rental units through a concession agreement, typically for a period of 25 years, not a 99-year lease.
Consider the following statements regarding Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) framework:
1. The ARHCs initiative aims to provide dignified living conditions for urban migrants and the poor, specifically targeting those working in the manufacturing, hospitality, and construction sectors.
2. Model 2 of the ARHCs framework focuses on the construction, operation, and maintenance of housing complexes by private or public entities on their own available vacant land.
3. Under the ARHCs framework, the concessionaire is granted the right to utilize the complexes for rental housing for a minimum period of 25 years.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
The ARHCs initiative, launched under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) in 2020, aims to provide dignified rental housing for urban migrants and the poor, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and construction. Model 2 involves public/private entities utilizing their own vacant land for housing, while Model 1 involves converting existing government-funded vacant houses into ARHCs. Under this framework, the concessionaire is granted the right to use the complexes for rental housing for a minimum period of 25 years, ensuring long-term sustainability and affordability.
Consider the following statements regarding Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in social housing:
1. The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) model, launched in 2020, utilizes existing government-funded vacant housing stock to provide rental accommodation for urban migrants and the poor.
2. The Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) under PMAY-U facilitates interest subvention for EWS and LIG beneficiaries, allowing them to access home loans at reduced interest rates through primary lending institutions.
3. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, includes provisions for the National Housing Bank to act as the primary adjudicating body for all inter-state disputes involving private housing developers.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the ARHCs scheme, launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, converts existing government-funded vacant houses into rental units for urban migrants. Statement 2 is correct because the CLSS provides an interest subsidy of 6.5% for EWS/LIG categories on home loans, effectively reducing the EMI burden. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016, mandates the establishment of Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERA) in each state/UT for dispute resolution, not the National Housing Bank.
Consider the following statements regarding Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and housing accessibility:
1. The 2007 National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy refers to the creation of land banks, and it establishes a formal mechanism for the automatic conversion of agricultural land into residential zones within 10 kilometers of metro lines.
2. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) mission, launched in June 2015, includes the Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) model as a sub-scheme to address the housing needs of migrant workers in urban centers.
3. The National Transit-Oriented Development Policy, released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2017, recommends a minimum floor area ratio of 3.0 for influence zones within 500 meters of transit stations.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because the 2007 National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy does not mandate the automatic conversion of agricultural land into residential zones, as land remains a state subject under the Constitution. Statement 2 is correct as PMAY-U, launched in 2015, introduced the ARHCs sub-scheme in 2020 to provide dignified rental housing for urban migrants. Statement 3 is correct because the 2017 National TOD Policy explicitly recommends a high Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of at least 3.0 within the 500-meter influence zone of transit stations to promote densification and accessibility.
Consider the following statements regarding Housing for All (PMAY-U) implementation challenges:
1. The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) initiative was introduced as a sub-scheme under PMAY-U in 2020 to provide urban migrants with rental housing, and it operates through the conversion of existing government-funded vacant houses into rental units.
2. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs implements the PMAY-U mission through the State Level Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (SLSMC), which holds the authority to approve central fund releases directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.
3. The Smart Cities Mission and PMAY-U are integrated through the Light House Projects (LHPs) initiative, which uses pre-fabricated sandwich panel systems and was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in six cities during the year 2019.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because ARHCs involve two models: converting existing government-funded vacant houses (Model 1) AND constructing new complexes on private/public land (Model 2). Statement 2 is incorrect because while the SLSMC approves projects, central funds are released to the State/UT nodal agency, not directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Light House Projects were launched in January 2021, not 2019, and they utilize diverse modern construction technologies like monolithic concrete and pre-fabricated systems, not exclusively sandwich panel systems.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban Governance decentralization under 74th Constitutional Amendment:
1. The 74th Amendment introduced Article 243S, which provides for the constitution of Ward Committees in municipalities with a population of three lakh or more.
2. The Twelfth Schedule, added by the 74th Amendment, lists 18 functional items including urban planning, regulation of land use, and construction of buildings.
3. Article 243Q provides for the constitution of Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations in transitionary, smaller, and larger urban areas respectively.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
All three statements are correct: Article 243S mandates Ward Committees for municipalities with populations of three lakh or more to ensure grassroots participation, while the Twelfth Schedule (Article 243W) empowers Urban Local Bodies with 18 functional items including urban planning and land use. Additionally, Article 243Q provides the constitutional framework for the three-tier urban governance structure, categorizing them as Nagar Panchayats for transitional areas, Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas, and Municipal Corporations for larger urban areas.
Consider the following statements regarding Urban land ceiling acts and their legacy on housing supply:
1. Following the repeal of the central Act in 1999, several states, including Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, chose to retain their own independent land ceiling legislations.
2. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021, aims to bridge the gap between housing supply and demand by formalizing the rental market, which was previously impacted by restrictive land governance frameworks.
3. The 1999 Repeal Act provided for the automatic transfer of all surplus vacant land to the respective municipal corporations to facilitate the construction of public housing projects.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976, was repealed by the Centre in 1999, but states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal opted to retain their own land ceiling laws. Statement 2 is correct because the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, seeks to professionalize the rental housing market, addressing the supply-side constraints caused by historical, restrictive rent control and land governance frameworks. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 1999 Repeal Act did not mandate the automatic transfer of surplus land to municipal corporations; instead, it aimed to encourage the development of vacant land by private owners by removing the threat of government acquisition.
Consider the following statements regarding Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) framework:
1. Under the Model 2 framework, the state government provides additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 50 percent free of charge to private developers to encourage the creation of new rental housing stock.
2. The ARHCs policy allows for the conversion of existing government-funded housing projects into rental complexes, provided the original beneficiaries have occupied the units for at least 10 years.
3. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs provides a central grant of 50 percent of the project cost for Model 1 developments to incentivize the conversion of existing government housing stock.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. Statement 2 is incorrect. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Model 2 involves public-private partnerships on private land where the government provides a 50% FAR/FSI incentive, but it is not 'free of charge' as it is subject to specific development control regulations and local body approvals. Statement 2 is incorrect because ARHCs under Model 1 involve converting existing vacant government-funded housing projects (vacant for months/years) into rental complexes, not occupied units. Statement 3 is incorrect because there is no central grant of 50% for Model 1; instead, the policy incentivizes the conversion of existing vacant government housing stock by granting the concessionaire the right to operate and maintain the units for 25 years without any capital grant from the Ministry.
Consider the following statements regarding Climate resilience and disaster vulnerability of informal settlements:
1. The IPCC Sixth Assessment Report notes that informal settlements in South Asian cities often experience higher urban heat island effects compared to planned neighborhoods due to lower vegetation cover and high-density construction materials.
2. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 identifies informal urban settlements as high-priority areas for risk assessment due to their frequent location on marginal, hazard-prone land.
3. As of 2022, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) has sanctioned over 1.2 crore houses, with a specific focus on the 'In-situ Slum Redevelopment' vertical to improve climate resilience in vulnerable pockets.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct.
Statement 1 is correct as the IPCC AR6 highlights that the lack of green infrastructure and use of heat-retaining materials in informal settlements exacerbate the urban heat island effect. Statement 2 is correct because the Sendai Framework explicitly prioritizes risk reduction in vulnerable, informal urban areas often situated on floodplains or unstable slopes. Statement 3 is correct as PMAY-U, launched in 2015, reached the milestone of sanctioning 1.2 crore houses by 2022, utilizing the 'In-situ Slum Redevelopment' vertical to provide disaster-resilient housing through private participation.