Authorities plan ways to build PMAY houses

Noida: The CEOs of Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway authorities on Tuesday met officials from the state housing department to discuss the changes needed to be incorporated for the industrial townships to come under the ambit of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana ( PMAY ).

Under PMAY, Noida was given the target of constructing 20,000 flats, Greater Noida 10,000 flats and Yamuna Expressway Authority 5,000 flats.

However, none of these have been constructed yet as no land could be allotted under this scheme.

However, these houses have not been built as the bylaws do not allow the scheme to be implemented. Additionally, officials said that the government rates are not feasible for builders or contractors to be able to construct and sell any affordable units.

“Currently, the industrial townships are not part of the PMAY guidelines and some changes are required for us to be included. Additionally, the current subsidy and costing structure pose a problem as there are several development charges,” said Narendra Bhooshan, CEO, Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA).

“As of now, Noida doesn’t have enough residential land left to be given under the scheme. We have proposed allotting land under mixed land use or other categories for this purpose,” said Ritu Maheshwari, CEO, Noida Authority.

Officials explained that the Rs 4.5 lakh subsidy given by the government to the builder or contractor is not even able to cover the land cost in some cases. A suggestion by officials was that builders be allowed to use some area — about 10% of total land — for commercial use so that the cost can be recovered.

“In areas under industrial development authorities, the land is acquired by the authority and allotted to the builder, after which the layout is approved and construction begins. This process increases the cost of land and makes affordable housing difficult,” said Arunvir Singh, CEO, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA).