In a bid to properly plan and successfully implement the low-cost housing programme, the government is encouraging research activities in this field Increasing population, coupled with large-scale urbanisation is taking the housing deficit in India to a higher magnitude. At present, the country requires around 24.71 million houses, of which 21.78 million is required for the economically weaker sections (EWS) of the society alone. “Such huge housing deficit for the major chunk of the population is prompting the government to lay more emphasis on the low-cost housing segment,” says Saugata Roy, minister of state for urban development.
 Currently, developers are also undertaking affordable housing projects largely since the demand for such properties has witnessed a considerable rise over the past few months. However, Mr Roy warns that proper planning is required to make the low-cost housing programme a success. General public has also expressed the same opinion in a recent poll conducted by Constructionbiz360, where a record 80% answered in the affirmative and the remaining 20% chose to remain neutral.Low-cost housing: The concept The concept of low-cost housing is surrounded by misconceptions. The general notion of the public is that such properties are available at lower prices as these are developed utilising low-quality building materials. They even refer to these projects as sub-standard works.
However, the concept does not support compromising on durability of the building structure, but deals with effective budgeting. Cost of construction can be reduced through the use of improved technology and locally available materials.
Government impetus
In a bid to properly plan and successfully implement the low-cost housing programme, the government is encouraging research activities in this field, resulting in the emergence of innovative technology as well as cost-effective and eco-friendly building materials.
“Such concerted efforts are undoubtedly praiseworthy as it will help to save money and reduce the cost of construction, consequently enabling the government to get close to its target of having ‘affordable housing for all’,” says Deepak Tapre (name changed as per request) a Mumbai-based realty analyst.
Furthermore, the government has introduced the National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy 2007, which focuses on improving technologies and promoting alternative building materials. Of late, the Centre has urged the state governments to build technical groups to improve on the research activities regarding the low-cost housing programme.
Jeeta Bandopadhyay |
