Zhaleo Rio calls for timely documentation on PMAY-U

Advisor for Municipal Affairs & Urban Development, Zhaleo Rio, has called upon all applicants under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 to ensure timely and proper submission of documents to avoid exclusion from the scheme’s benefits.
Speaking at the 2nd PM Awas Mela–Shehri held at Chümoukedima Town Council on Tuesday, as part of the ongoing Angikaar 2025 campaign, Zhaleo said that the “Urban Housing for All” initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 has benefitted numerous deserving families across Nagaland. He expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its continued support in uplifting financially weaker sections.
While lauding the completion of a large number of houses under Phase 1, Zhaleo cautioned that incomplete structures should not be issued completion certificates, which are mandatory for availing power connections and other essential services. He cited that out of 1,118 beneficiaries in Chümoukedima last year, 187 missed out due to documentation lapses.
Zhaleo further urged Urban Local Body (ULB) councillors to ensure that central schemes reach citizens in their respective wards. Stressing transparency, he reminded that the sanctioned amount of Rs 2.5 lakh would be directly credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts and warned against any deductions by individuals or departments. He encouraged citizens to report any monetary demands to the concerned authorities.
Discouraging the culture of “donation” and “free will contribution,” Zhaleo emphasised the need for financial discipline and accountability among Nagas and civil organisations.
Delivering the keynote address, State Mission Director, PMAY-U and Additional Director (HoD), Directorate of Municipal Affairs, Temjenrenla Kechü, informed that PMAY-U 2.0, launched in September 2024, has completed one year of implementation in Nagaland. To mark the milestone, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs initiated Angikaar 2025—a two-month outreach campaign from September 4 to October 31—aimed at accelerating house completion and raising awareness.
Kechü highlighted that Nagaland recorded over 96% completion of sanctioned houses under Phase 1, the highest among North Eastern states, though 1,442 houses remain incomplete. She said the mission would undertake door-to-door verification to resolve pending issues.
She also informed that beneficiaries who completed their houses under Phase 1 would be facilitated under the PM Surya Ghar initiative for solar benefits. Various service kiosks were set up at the venue to assist with PMAY documentation, CHMIS & Ayushman Bharat enrolment, Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, Aadhaar registration, NULM, and tree sapling distribution.
Earlier, pastor Kezha Shuya of Town Baptist Church pronounced the invocation, while CTC chairman Lhouisto Khro delivered the welcome address. Proprietor of Elmech, Kezha Shuya, presented a brief on PM Surya Ghar, and vote of thanks was delivered by State Nodal Officer, PMAY (U) and assistant director, Directorate of Municipal Affairs, Er. Kesowew Wetsah. A special song was presented by Keneingulie Koutso.