Govt to focus on affordable housing: Selja

With a shortage of housing estimated at nearly 25 million, the government will focus on affordable housing by involving the private sector.       

"Our major focus will be on construction of affordable housing for poor and middle class people across the country by involving the private sector," Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Kumari Selja told reporters today.  

Private sector is also recognising the growing demand for affordable housing, she said after assuming charge of the ministry for the second term.       

"Notwithstanding the economic slowdown our efforts will be to put major thrust in the housing sector as our goal is that everybody should have access to affordable housing. We are moving towards that goal," she added.        

She said two schemes have been launched in the first quarter of 2009 to encourage states to provide urban land at affordable costs for housing and also to reduce the cost of credit for housing for the poor.        

Referring to UPA government's flagship programme Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURRUM), she said equal emphasis would be placed to facilitate the flow of institutional funds for affordable housing.  

"Our budget allocation has also been increased from Rs 2500 crore to RS 3300 crore in this fiscal for carrying out the various programmes providing better amenities to people in cities," she added.