Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday said all the stakeholders should pitch in to meet the goal of providing houses to all the urban poor by 2022, asking the private sector not to miss the ‘opportunity’ that affordable housing sector in India offers.
Referring to China, he said infrastructure and housing sectors significantly contribute to the growth of any country and highlighted various initiatives of the Government, including 'infrastructure status' to housing sector which will make easier for developers to avail loans.
“If we are able to meet our goal of building 18-20 million affordable houses in 4,041 urban centres by 2022, then it will require efforts not just by the Government, but by all the stakeholders,” he said while addressing an Assocham event here. “I think private sector is an important stakeholder by any yardstick and I hope you will not miss this opportunity,” Puri said.
He said those who have the privilege of living in ‘affluence’ perhaps ‘underestimate or not fully comprehend’ the importance of a pucca house. “It is something which is transformative for the future, not only the individual but for the entire family and the generations to come,” he said while citing his example. He said his previous generation, who came from Pakistan, initially sought shelter from the ravages of partition by living and seeking shelter in refugee camps.