State Housing Policy approved

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state cabinet approved the draft of the Kerala State Housing Policy 2011. In a statement issued here,  Finance and Housing Minister K M Mani said that the new policy envisages to meet a housing gap of 12 lakhs during the 12th Five Year Plan.The policy promises intensified efforts for meeting the housing needs of the marginalised sections of  society like SCs and STs,  fishermen,  landless,  destitutes and the poor.   Creation of regulatory structure to arrest the unhealthy trends in the housing sector and settling disputes are  also envisaged.The policy seeks to redefine the role of the State as a catalyst,  facilitator, builder and regulator to provide an enabling framework for all the stakeholders to take a pro-active role in the sector through formation of Special Purpose Vehicles etc.Developing innovative financial models with partnership of public sector,  private sector and panchayats is envisaged in the policy.  The policy proposes development of satellite townships in an integrated and sustainable manner to tackle the rapid growth of cities and urbanisation.The policy aims at promoting adequate flow of funds to the housing sector from international and national financial institutions, NRIs,  PIOs etc.