Statement by India under Agenda Item: 3 Interactive Dialogue with SR on Adequate Housing at the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council (24 February – 20 March 2020), delivered by Mr. Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, [Geneva, 05 March 2020]

Mr. Vice President,

We thank the SR for the presentation and take note that the current report has attempted to address the issue with particular focus on growing socio-economic inequalities. We also take note of the guidelines in the report which lay emphasis on obligations of States as the primary duty bearers in this regard.

2. The right to housing remains a priority for India. India continues its mission of ‘Housing for All by 2022’ to provide better and affordable housing facilities especially to the rural poor, urban slum dwellers and vulnerable groups under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission launched in 2015.

3. Government of India’s key principle for socio economic development is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas which means Inclusive development for all and with the trust of all. Inter alia, it aims at providing 150 million homes for the underprivileged over the next 5 years;

4. In order to ensure gender equality and empowerment of women from Economically Weaker Sections and Low-Income Groups, this scheme has a mandatory provision for the female head of the family to be the owner or co-owner of the house. Some other elements include:

a). In-situ slum redevelopment.

b). Affordable housing through a credit linked subsidy scheme

Mr. Vice President,

5. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act of 2016 aims to bring accountability, transparency, protection of consumer interest and establishment of adjudicating mechanism for speedy dispute redressal in real estate sector.

6. India remains committed to ensuring its target of ‘Housing For All’ in an inclusive and time bound manner and looks forward to the deliberations under this agenda item.

I Thank you, Mr. Vice President.