The middle and high-income groups together would require 0.04 million houses.
The report was silent on the reasons behind the rapid growth in housing for the middle-income and high-income categories.
But it hinted that the failure of government agencies and reluc- tance of private players to focus on the poor because of lower profit margins had led to the disparity It also said that rural areas were totally ignored.
While the government struggles to make homes for all a reality, the housing shortage could touch 26.50 million in another five years, adds survey The report has blamed government agencies, such as housing boards and development authorities, for adding to the backlog of 1991-2001.
The growth in the total housing stock during this period was much less than the preceding two decades as government agencies gradually withdrew from house construction activities.
The National Building Organisation's findings have revealed that the fiscal benefits provided by the government in the last 10 years have failed to boost housing activities. In its recommendations, the report has emphasised on a broader study into the housing requirements in urban and rural areas.
Source: Hindustan Times, 23rd Oct,2007
