Quotable Quotes Of Naidu On Housing, And More
Despite the fact that a promotion is likely, it is only with a heavy heart and an emotional outburst (he reportedly broke into tears amid colleagues) that M Venkaiah Naidu quit his post as the housing minister. The party veteran will be the BJP's candidate in the upcoming vice-presidential election, and will no longer be heading the ministry which has been widely captured by the media owing to the revolutionary changes that have been made in the real estate sector under his charge. Infrastructure development has been the prime theme of plans announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government. Naidu spearheaded the ministry during challenging times, and the man well known for his penchant for acronyms did it in style. His actions as well as his words, both, have kept Naidu in news.
As he bids farewell to the housing ministry to claim a promotion, we list some of Naidu's most quotable quotes:
On the Goods and Services Tax
"As a (sic) urban development and housing minister, I am the happiest man that with the GST, prices of houses will definitely come down ... If anybody is opposing the GST, it is habitual tax evaders. Larger builder community is happy, except fly-by- night operators.”
Also read: No Additional Burden On Homebuyers Under GST
On demonetisation
“Every note has come back to the bank and note is followed by an address...whether it is white or black that will be known after its scrutiny ... I am happy because I am one of the largest beneficiary of this (demonetisation) … I head the housing ministry. My housing interest rates have come down considerable.”
Also read: Govt Bans Rs 500 And Rs 1,000 Notes; Move Will Cure Realty Of Many Ailments In Long Term
On Real Estate Act
“I am sorry to note that few states are still casual about this law, and they have not still notified the rules ... I hope that nobody does it because Parliament has passed the law and it is binding on everybody. Nobody has right to dilute the spirit of the law ... Today, I want to make very clear that any compromise on the Act will not be acceptable at all.”
Also read: All Sections Of Real Estate Law Come Notified
On Smart Cities Mission
“Becoming smart is all about changing our mindsets and approaches. We have to think and act differently, from planning to execution ... Making smart cities is more than providing business and investment opportunities and required infrastructure. It is all about changing the ways of our thinking and acting for building cities that are for the people. We need cities that can sustain themselves through judicious use of precious and scarce natural resources ensuring ecological equilibrium.”
Also read: Govt Releases List Of 30 Smart Cities
On urban growth
“The 21st century belongs to the cities. The world has moved away from the 19th century of empires and kings to the 20th century of prime ministers and chief ministers towards the 21st century of mayors and corporators”.
On use of technology
“Technology will bring many more spokes in the wheel. The government and the developers can use it more effectively, to rationalize their dealings, improve processes, cut costs, and enhance productivity.”
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