Report of the Working Group on Housing and Urban Development in the Third Five Year Plan

Abstract

The Report on Housing & Urban Development under India’s Third Five-Year Plan addresses the escalating housing shortages driven by rapid urbanization and substandard rural housing conditions. It projects the urban population to reach 205 million by 1976, necessitating the construction of 26 million housing units, with an investment requirement of approximately Rs. 2,500 crores. Key challenges identified include land scarcity, limited financing, and inadequate building materials, which require coordinated public and private sector interventions. The report emphasizes institutional mechanisms, such as Housing Finance Corporations and statutory Housing Boards, to mobilize resources and streamline housing development. In rural areas, the proposed Village Housing Projects Scheme advocates an aided self-help model to improve living conditions while fostering economic growth. Integrated urban planning, regional coordination, legislative support, and community participation are highlighted as critical for sustainable housing initiatives. The document outlines a strategic framework combining financial, legislative, and technical measures to mitigate housing deficits, enhance social equity, and support India’s broader economic and urban development objectives.