Maha govt to build 10 lakh houses in two yrs: Deshmukh

Maharashtra government is committed to providing affordable housing for all, specially socially and economically weaker sections, and builders should support and participate in the government schemes, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said here today.

"As part of our various housing schemes, we plan to construct 10 lakh houses in the state in the coming two years. This is not possible without the support of the builders," he said while addressing the 'Advantage Maharashtra Convention on Housing for All' at NCPA in south Mumbai.

The government wants to help weaker sections realise their dream of owning a house, Deshmukh said.

"India is facing a shortage of 27 billion housing units in which Maharashtra's share is considerably high. In order to reduce this gap and make affordable houses available to all, the government is exploring various schemes in which the direct beneficiary would be 'Aam Aadmi'," he said.

He also asked the builders to develop unique 'Nano' (small) houses that would have reasonable living space for a family with affordable price.

"Whether it is a Nano housing scheme or any other idea that developers would come up with, the government would extend all its support to materialise their vision," Deshmukh assured.

Deshmukh said the government is ready to amend Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act (MOFA).

"There has been a demand from real estate sector to relax some norms in MOFA, which protects the owners of flats. The concerned officials would look into it and see what can be done," he said.