New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS) To ensure housing for all, the government needs to focus on identifying locations facing shortage, figuring out how to provide housing there and prioritising Public Private Partnership (PPP), a conference said here Saturday.

The All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG) in association with Urban Update magazine organized a one-day conference on ‘Housing for All’ that brought together urban experts, architects, policy makers, corporate houses and other stake holders to find a viable solution for the housing shortage in the country.

Speaking at the event, M. Ramachandran, former urban development secretary said: “Three broad areas we need to concentrate on. Where is the shortage? How to reach the goal? Prioritising of the larger requirement of poor, and PPP model.”

“The size of a house for the weaker sections and housing approval for the same seems to be the biggest problem. Where is the land and who will pay for it,” he asked.

According to government statistics, India’s urban housing shortage is estimated to be nearly 18.78 million, the AIILSG said.

The experts focused on finding solutions for hurdles like availability of land, an ideal model of execution that ensures timely completion and financial viability.

A session on a workable model for slum redevelopment, financial aspects of it, livelihood connection and alternative housing options that can put a stop on creation of new slums in cities was also held.