Affordable housing in urban India: case study of Jaipur city

Abstract

Housing for many households, around the world, is both the largest expense and the most important asset. It is an important determinant of quality of life. But a significant proportion of the world s population does not have access to adequate and affordable housing. Well-functioning housing market influences not only shelter concerns but improve public health (by reducing the likelihood of outbreaks of disease), stimulate economic growth (through its own job creation, but also as workplaces for home based entrepreneurs), and have important social consequences (by influencing crime reduction and citizenship). The best housing sectors should enable the adequate provision of shelter across all segments of the population. Objective of this research is to ensure Affordable housing for all. Expected outcome of the research is to come out with an improved strategy on affordable housing which can address demand and supply gaps of housing sector. The methodology used for the research was case based analysis. Ongoing affordable housing developments in Jaipur city was selected as a case for study. Prior to the case study a thorough literature on housing was reviewed with a view to identify the variables and prevailing strategies of housing sector. First chapter of this dissertation covers the economics of housing sector. In this chapter variable affecting demand and supply of housing have been detailed out. The characteristics of variables have been discussed. Effect of these variables on housing demand and affordability has also been described. In last section of this chapter various characteristics of the affordable housing has been discussed. Second chapter listed out worldwide developments in public housing. The main aim of this chapter is to identify the strategies which have been used, worldwide, to make available affordable housing. In this chapter the role of urban infrastructure in public housing has been discussed. Various prevailing practices of land use management which is important from the point of view affordable housing have been listed. Strategies related to housing finance, subsidy and regulation, used for housing affordability, has also been discussed. In third chapter case study of affordable housing in Jaipur city has been described. Initially the Demand and supply status of housing in Jaipur city has been detailed out. The gaps of infrastructure have also been discussed. Then various features/strategies of government subsidized housing scheme have been listed. Some of the ongoing projects, under this scheme, have been evaluated for their efficiency and efficacy. The objective of the case study is,* To understand the status of housing problem in Jaipur city * To identify unique strategies being used for affordable housing* And also to identify the issues involved in those strategies Last chapter of this dissertation has been dedicated to the following,* On the basis of learning of the case study of affordable housing in Jaipur city to list out the strategies which can be replicated at other places.* Listing out the areas where improvement is required to reduce the gap between demand and supply for affordability.* Listing out the areas of future researches in the field of housing affordability.