Centre Reorganises Housing Ministry to Strengthen Urban Governance & Housing Policy

India’s urban governance framework has entered a new phase with the Centre reorganising the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) into two dedicated departments. The restructuring is aimed at creating a sharper administrative framework by separating the governance of the National Capital Region from nationwide housing and urban development programmes. The move is expected to improve policy coordination, institutional efficiency and the implementation of key housing and urban initiatives across the country.

Two Departments, Distinct Roles

Under the new administrative structure, the Ministry has been divided into the Department of Capital Development and the Department of Urban Development, with each department entrusted with clearly defined responsibilities.

The reorganisation places key institutions under separate administrative wings. While the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will function under the Department of Capital Development, the regulatory framework of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) has been brought under the Department of Urban Development.

Focus on the National Capital

The newly constituted Department of Capital Development will oversee institutions and projects linked to the National Capital, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

Its responsibilities will also extend to Union Government estates and buildings, land acquisition and development in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, along with planning and development across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Housing and Urban Policy Under One Wing

The Department of Urban Development will be responsible for national housing and urban policy, including flagship schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and PM SVANidhi.

The department will also administer key urban legislations, including the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) and the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, bringing housing regulation, urban governance and flagship housing programmes under a single administrative umbrella.

Additional Administrative Changes

As part of the restructuring, the Centre has also transferred responsibility for government stationery, printing and official publications to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, separating these functions from the housing ministry.

A Step Towards Better Urban Governance

The restructuring marks an important administrative reform aimed at creating a more specialised governance framework for India’s rapidly evolving urban landscape. By clearly separating the management of the National Capital from nationwide housing and urban development responsibilities, the Centre seeks to strengthen institutional accountability, improve policy execution and ensure more efficient implementation of programmes that directly influence urban infrastructure, housing and real estate governance across the country.

By Sana Khan
Executive Editor,
Realty Quarter
Mumbai