Mumbai: Maharashtra government will ensure that all approvals across all urban bodies including municipal corporations and municipal councils will be done electronically, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday at a book release event of ‘Pursuit of Affordable Housing” written by Mr. Sanjay Shah and Mr. Naman Srivastava. This book is published by Brick Eagle, promises the stakeholders to trigger new ideas and redefine the way housing as a business is being undertaken in the country.

“While the number of approvals has been cut by 52% and it now takes 60 days compared to 365 days earlier, we want to ensure a seamless process without any human intervention,” he said speaking at the launch of the book addressing the concerns raised by industry experts earlier at a panel discussion.

The panellists included Architect Hafeez Contractor, Mahindra Life Spaces, Chairman, Mr. Arun Nanda and MR. Madhusudan Menon Executive Chairman and co-founder of Micro Finance Housing Finance and consumer activist Rajendra Joshi.

The delay in approvals is resulting in rising interest cost that is being passed on to the buyer. Moreover, it is not mere affordable housing, but it is about providing the entire ecosystem without too much travel to the workplace for the common man, he said.

Stating that trans-harbour link would open up land parcels in the island city, Fadnavis said, “We have received all approvals and by March RFQs will be out, which will be funded by the Japanese agency – JICA.”

He also spoke in favour of using the entire salt pan land for affordable housing.

Unveiling the book, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “The book by Sanjay Shah would act as a reference book into various problems and solution of affordable housing and it would inspire more and more people to come into this space of affordable housing and fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of housing for all.”

Later expressing optimism he added that in a limited time, the developers will be able to put affordable housing project into reality as the state has aligned its policies with the Central Government.

Stating that affordable housing developers need capital, credibility and knowledge, Rajesh Krishnan, founder and CEO of Brick Eagle said, “Developer community is seen with suspicion leading to credibility issue and hence government intervention is required for the developers who are grappling to deliver affordable housing projects. However, if we all put our heads together, we can make affordable housing possible.”

Speaking about his book, Sanjay Shah the author and founder of DBS Communities said, “We have lived affordable housing, for seven years, on the ground, we have been praised, criticized, humiliated, doubted and also some time encouraged during this times….these were the times when we have also lost friends and colleagues for no reason and hence this book to share our successful case studies and sharing our journey of pain and joy.”

Source : Lokesh Shastri