Policy for development of housing sector on anvil

For structural development of the housing sector in Odisha, the state Housing and Urban development plans a new policy, “Odisha Housing & Habitat Policy-2013”.

“The new policy, now in the draft stage, will also include development of the peripheral areas which are beyond the city limits”, said an official.

The policy will take into account the provisions of affordable housing scheme, slum rehabilitation and development policy, property rights to slum dwellers etc. It aims at creation of land banks, housing stocks considering the affordability.

Sources said, the policy will also look into scope for development of housing sector in rural areas.

“The Odisha Housing and Habitat policy is drafted on the basis of guidelines of National Housing and Habitat policy with modifications specific to the state”, the official added.

The National Housing & Habitat Policy is based on creation of surpluses in housing stock either on rental or ownership basis and provision of quality and cost effective housing and shelter options to the people, specially, the vulnerable group and the poor.

Recently, the state housing and urban development department, to meet the demands of the low cost housing, has formulated an affordable housing scheme to promote housing projects through multiple cost reduction measures such as, making available land at reasonable cost, cross-subsidization through higher floor area ratio and transferable development right, concessional land conversion charges, stamp duty exemption or reduction, liberal land-use norms, promotion of low-cost housing technologies etc. It also aims at affordable rental housing for migrant workers and urban poor.

H&UD department has identified about 96 acres of land at Gothapatana, on the outskirt of the city, to build affordable housing units initially.