Minister Hardeep Puri proposes Rs. 60000 Cr. Affordable Housing Project

Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of State for Urban Affairs and Housing admitted that the urban infrastructure of the country was under significant damage. He added that the government was assigned to bring holistic change in the infrastructure development of the country, by covering 12 million houses by 2022 in Indian cities.

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) around 3 lakh to 5 lakh affordable homes are being sanctioned per month. He said that government has targeted to deliver 12 million houses by 2022 in cities as part of this campaign. According to him, it is very imperative to build this capacity as urban population will rise from 30% to over 50% by 2030. While giving special lecture on “2022: The India We Seek” on Thursday evening, organized by India Habitat Centre and Society for Policy Studies, the Minister added, “I managed to get a provision of Rs. 60,000 cr for four years and cabinet approval for new affordable urban housing fund.”

The ministry has come out to promote the participation of private sector with eight models in affordable housing sector. Six of these models are based on getting government land and two on acquiring private lands. The cost of land can be up to 40% to 80% higher than the house being allotted. Both state and central governments are offering subsidies outright. The average cost of property is around Rs. 6.5 lakh. He added, “PMAY is getting huge attention. It is one of the most sought-after social transformation schemes.” By saying that the existing government has positive, effective, and growth-oriented approach, he added, “To achieve the shining India, the Indian state should be strengthened in a way to deliver the required services and goods. If state is enfeebled, it is not possible to deliver the services and goods.” He also added focus on the federalism for the proper execution of different flagship schemes that are focused on planned urbanization. Though India was one of the best countries in terms of post-colonial phase of reconstruction, the Minister added that it has various matters to address.