High-level panel discussion on

“Ensuring Safe and Affordable Housing for All: Achieving SDG Target 11.1”

(21 September 2022,0900-1030 hrs)

Excellencies,

Let me begin by thanking the hosts for organising this High-level panel discussion on Ensuring Safe and Affordable Housing for All: Achieving Sustainable Development Goal Target 11.1.

2.    Homelessness is a symptom of deep rooted economic and social challenges. Homeless people are often the poorest and the most vulnerable in society, both in developed as-well-as in developing countries. Yet, the issue of access to affordable housing is often not accorded the same level of priority at an international level, as the other basic needs.

3.    We need to address the structural issues that render people homeless, as much as our effort to ensure safe and equitable access to affordable housing. Ensuring equitable access as well as addressing the root causes both are key for securing a sustainable housing solution for all. 

4.    A safe, adequate and affordable housing necessarily contributes towards a better health, education and economic opportunities. However, there exist a visible gap in access to housing based on rural-urban, socio-economic, and gender considerations. We should be mindful of the clarion call “to leave no one behind”. 

Excellencies,

5.    While celebrating its 75^th year of Independence, the Government of India continues to progress where every Indian has a house with all basic amenities. India has been implementing the world’s largest affordable housing programme for the poor, called the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme for All. 

6.    The Scheme is implemented both in rural and in urban areas. Over 23.5 million houses have been built under this programme. 

7.    Giving a fillip to gender equality and to address vulnerabilities faced by women in terms of their right to property, the title of each home under the mission is under the woman head of the household, or held co-jointly.

8.    The programme also facilitates adoption of green, disaster resistant building materials and construction techniques for ensuring faster and cost- effective construction.

9.    Innovative use of technologies has been the driving force behind many of the transformative initiatives. Since the launch of Smart Cities Mission in 2015, India has created 100 Smart Cities to strengthen urban infrastructure by applying smart solutions and giving a decent quality of life to citizens.

10.    To address the Covid 19 pandemic induced reverse migration of the urban poor, the Government launched the Affordable Rental Housing Complex, a sub-scheme under Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme, to provide affordable rental housing to urban migrants and poor, close to their workplace. The sub-scheme gives preference to persons belonging to minorities, widows, working women, Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable people.

11.    International efforts towards SDG 11 have been greatly strengthened in the last few years by the New Urban Agenda and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. We look forward to productive process of the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework next May and an ambitious political declaration. 

12.    As India endeavours to build a more prosperous and inclusive society, we stand truly committed to achieving a safe, equitable and sustainable future for all our citizens, and in working with the global community to achieve the SDGs together. 

I thank you all.

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