This essay critically examines the evolution and impact of government housing policies in India, focusing on how large-scale schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) shape urban lives and spatial dynamics. By analysing policy frameworks and case studies, including slum redevelopment in Dharavi, the essay highlights the tension between standardised, commodity-driven approaches and the lived realities of marginalised groups. It argues that while official schemes promise “Housing for All,” the realities of peripheral urbanisation, limited autonomy, and lack of meaningful inclusion often undermine social equity and belonging. The essay calls for housing policies that move beyond infrastructure provision to embrace context-sensitive, participatory models that address the diverse social, economic, and spatial needs of urban populations.