Land acquisition discussion is lost due to politics of impressing key constituencies – Chaudhary Birender Singh

Union Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Sanitation & Drinking Water, Chaudhary Birender Singh exhorted the need to address the key issues impacting development of rural India. The Minister mentioned that unless the rural India develops faster, India cannot have a balanced growth for its citizens. He was speaking at the Asia-Pacific Housing Forum 5 by Habitat for Humanity today. The two day Building Impact Forum focuses on issues affecting the housing and sanitation among the rural poor. The event was supported by PNB Housing Finance Limited.
Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhary Birender Singh also mentioned that the government’s intent behind the proposed Land Acquisition Bill has been over-politicized and key features have not been understood by the people in general.

The two day Asia-Pacific Housing Forum 5 by Habitat for Humanity also witnessed the launch of Innovative Insurance Policy by HDFC Ergo which aims at providing support to all those whose houses are destroyed during disaster. At a highly subsidized minimum annual premium of Rs 70, a person can get insurance relief of upto Rs 50,000. This policy was launched at the hands of film star Vivek Oberoi who handed over the first five policies to women.

Briefing the media on key developments during the day, Rajan Samuel, Managing Director of Housing for Humanity India said that he was glad to hear from Honorable Minister the government’s intent to work with private and non-profit organizations. He continued, “As a organization committed to upliftment of poor through providing better housing and sanitation, Habitat for Humanity is happy to work jointly in resolving housing and sanitation challenges of the country.”

Mr. Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India continued, “One of the best gifts one can give to family of low-income group is a decent shelter.” He added, “At the forum, all the key players have discussed that how cost reduction, availability of infrastructure, contribution of corporate houses through CSR and participation of a family in construction of their own shelter can make house affordable.” Since its inception in 1983, Habitat has served more than 55,000 families with various shelter interventions across 17 States.

The last day of the forum themed ‘Building Impact’ was attended by the industry players like Mr. Pooran Pandey, Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact Network India; Mr. V Suresh, Advisor Good Governance India Foundation & Former CMD of HUDCO; Mr. Ajay Suri, Regional Advisor, Cities Alliance; Mr. Kamal Krishna, xxxx (designation), National Disaster Management Authority; Ms. Elsa D Silva, SafeCity; Mr. Dhamodaran, Founder Director, Gramalaya; Mr. Paul Thomas, Managing Director, ESAF Micro Finance; Ms. R K Anil, United Nations Development Programme and Mr. Saharsh David, Head – CSR, Sandvik Asia.