Why The Mission To Build Homes For Everyone Should Be Part Of Regional Plans

The Narendra Modi-led government's plan to build homes for everyone by 2022 is debated by urban policy experts across the world. But, this is often seen as a national mission. But, the role of local governments on such policies is grossly underestimated.

Recently, the Kolhapur district collector said that the district regional plan would propose changes in the land-use policy, taking the national mission to shelter everyone into account. Why should the Central government's mission be a part of regional plan of urban local governments?

According to government estimates, there is a shortage of 18.78 million homes in India. The government cannot implement a scheme to build homes for all without collecting information that urban local authorities, state governments, various residential development authorities and government agencies that are engaged in implementing residential development for low-income households can provide.

Even though the roles of Central government and state and urban authorities in such schemes are never clearly defined, local authorities often have a major role in planning them. Even when urban local authorities are not involved in formulating policies, they have a major role in implementing them on a local level. They have greater access to information on needs of residents.

Urban-local authorities can tailor residential policies to local needs. Even when the Central government disburses funds to urban-local authorities along with directives, local authorities have great control over budgetary allocation.

Local authorities plan urban growth, land-use policy, development and infrastructure and bureaucratic governance of regions. When compared to Central and state governments, they also feel a stronger need to transform their cities.

Residential needs of a city cannot be planned in isolation. It is often linked to infrastructural development of different parts of a city, and access to water, electricity and sanitation facilities. These services are provided by local governments. Property tax is collected by local governments, too. Whether residential, industrial or commercial development should happen in certain areas of cities is also decided by local governments. It is difficult for the Central government to implement the scheme without the plan of local governments being in harmony with it.