This report is part of a study initiated by Habitat Forum (INHAF) under the Rural Habitat Initiative, aimed at developing a deeper understanding of rural housing and habitat across different parts of India. Launched in 2021, the study has evolved over time through multiple phases, shaped by the availability of resources and collaborative partnerships.

This study was initiated with an objective to examine the adequacy, satisfaction levels,
and perceptions of PMAY-G, State, and self-initiated housing in terms of product,
process, delivery system and social aspects. Also Identify the socio-economic,
governance, and program design factors that influence the effectiveness of rural
housing programs, including aspects that make them better or worse.

30 villages and 329 households across six states- Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh were surveyed as part of this study. A
combination of structured surveys, semi-structured interviews, and informal interactions
was used, with survey tools developed by INHAF and adapted by partners to suit local
conditions. The study examined housing constructed under central and state government schemes, as well as self-built housing, to capture a range of rural housing practices.

The partners and states covered in this phase of the study include: MASHAL in
Maharashtra; Gram Vikas in Odisha; NIVASA in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu; Laurie
Baker Centre for Habitat Studies in Kerala; and INHAF in Madhya Pradesh and
Maharashtra. An attempt was made to conduct the study both at the habitation level and administration level, attempting to bring in the viewpoints of different stakeholders.

This report consolidates the work done so far and offers a glimpse into the trends,
challenges, and lived realities shaping the rural habitat landscape in India over the past
four years. The report has presented village case studies, ground findings, and
suggestions to strengthen the existing rural housing programs. As a way forward, a
community facilitation centre is proposed to translate the value additions suggested in
this report into effective on-ground outcomes.

The findings underscore the need to move beyond target-driven construction toward a
technically supported, regionally adaptive, and people-responsive rural housing strategy linking housing not only to shelter but also to livelihood, climate resilience, and
settlement development.