New Delhi: The real estate sector is one of the most important sectors of the economy and the Central government is keen on infrastructure investment as it helps in the revival of the economy, said Durga Shanker Mishra, senior IAS officer and Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA).

Mr Mishra, who was addressing a special session of FICCI’s 14th  Annual FICCI Real Estate Summit, said: “The focus and reforms in real estate sector in past six years has been unparalleled; be it about ease of doing business or the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, (RERA).”

He also highlighted that the real estate sector will have a crucial role to play in the revival of the economy post the pandemic; be it in terms of employment generation; contribution in the GDP or the direct multi-sectoral link. 

Mr Mishra further said that the government’s focus should be on kick-starting and creating demand in the housing sector. “We should find innovative solutions considering the altering demands in the Real Estate sector,” he said.

Mr Mishra also elaborated on the new technologies that have been inducted. “For the first time, with the Global housing Technology challenge, 54 types of new technologies were introduced into the sector. Today, in more than half of the cities across India, there is an IT-based solution for construction permits. Also, we have made a new curriculum to make people technology sensitive,” he added.

The pandemic saw mass exodus. An affordable rental housing complex was introduced for the first time. “FICCI will have to play an important role in affordable rental housing complex planning, especially social rental housing,” Mr Mishra further said.

Mr Raj Menda, Joint Chair, FICCI Real Estate Committee and Corporate Chairman, RMZ Corp, said, “As the economy moves towards normalcy, sentiments of the real estate sector should also improve, although, stakeholders’ sentiment towards the future has shown improvement as compared to the previous quarter.”

Irfan Razack, Co-Chair, FICCI Real Estate Committee and CMD, Prestige Group, said, “There is a huge demand for a range of housing; unfortunately, housing is taxed almost at three times.” Mr Razack also added that the government’s focus should be on kick-starting and creating demand in the housing sector.