Since independence, India has recognized housing as a critical component of rural and urban development, aiming to provide shelter for all sections of society, particularly the economically weaker sections and low-income groups. The housing programs initiated over the decades have evolved in response to changing demographic pressures, urbanization, and rural poverty. The earliest initiatives focused on post-independence rehabilitation and resettlement, while later programs emphasized affordable housing, financial assistance, and integrated development. In the initial years after 1947, the government prioritized resettlement housing for refugees displaced during the partition. Schemes were designed to provide basic accommodation and land, particularly in urban areas, to address the immediate crisis. This period also witnessed the formulation of housing policies as part of broader development plans, with the First Five-Year Plan (1951–1956) recognizing housing as a key sector for national reconstruction. The focus was largely on the construction of low-cost houses using local materials and labor, promoting self-help and community participation. During the 1960s and 1970s, the emphasis shifted to rural housing, as poverty and inadequate shelter remained widespread in villages. Programs such as the Rural Housing Scheme under the Community Development Program aimed to provide basic homes to rural poor families. The focus was on durable and cost-effective construction, often with technical guidance from government agencies. In addition, state-level initiatives were launched to complement central