Question

What are the major housing schemes started by the Government of India? Explain them in brief.

Answer 1

Major housing schemes by the Government of India include:

1. Village Housing Scheme (1957): Remodel villages in groups; loans up to ₹ 2000 per house for building and improvement. Progress is limited due to illiteracy, attachment to old houses, and poverty.
2. Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (2000-01): Focus on rural housing development.
3. Indira Awaas Yojana: Houses for the poorest Scheduled Castes/Tribes and released bonded labourers in rural areas; free houses given; large-scale construction during the 7th and 8th Plans.
4. Subsidised Industrial Housing Scheme (1952): For industrial workers.
5. Plantation Labour Housing Scheme (1956): Loans to planters for worker housing.
6. Urban Housing Schemes: Housing for government employees, refugees, and slum improvement projects with basic amenities.
7. Institutional Finance: Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO, 1970); National Housing Bank (1988); Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC, 1964) provide finance and refinance facilities.
8. Private Builders: Encouraged to undertake large housing projects.