Whole-of-Govt approach key to timely urban dev: LG Sinha
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By Shafat Malik
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25 Sep 2025
Urban Challenge Fund to transform 300 cities into growth hubs
Srinagar, Sept 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the newly announced Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund will serve as a turning point in transforming Indian cities into engines of economic growth, innovation, and sustainability.
Addressing the Governing Council Meeting of the All India Forum of Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (AIFORERA) in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the initiative aims to redevelop 300 cities across the country with the active participation of states, union territories, and private stakeholders.
“This Urban Challenge Fund will be a game changer in making our cities growth hubs. It will drive innovation, strengthen infrastructure, enhance ease of living, and embed sustainability into urban development,” said LG Sinha.
He stressed that a ‘Whole of the Government’ approach is essential to accelerate progress in the sector and ensure accountability and timely delivery of projects.
Highlighting the impact of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) Act, 2016, the Lieutenant Governor noted that it has introduced transparency, accountability, and efficiency into the sector. He emphasised the importance of protecting homebuyers’ interests and the need for a swift grievance redressal mechanism to transform real estate into a more structured and trustworthy industry.
Touching upon the broader landscape of the real estate sector, Sinha called on developers and private players to play a more proactive role in promoting affordable housing.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, real estate has emerged as one of the key drivers of the vision of
Viksit Bharat. This growth is being fuelled by the aspirations of the common citizen. The sector must ensure equitable development, fairness, and transparency so that owning a home becomes a reality for every family,” he said.
He also called for uniformity in housing regulations across states and UTs, stating that such harmonization would help make the sector more competitive and growth-oriented.
On the issue of construction workers' welfare, the LG underscored that the families of those who build homes must not be neglected. He urged developers to give equal attention to the health and education of these workers and their families.
He further encouraged AIFORERA to work closely with organizations such as NAREDCO (National Real Estate Development Council) to ensure that the rights and welfare of workers are safeguarded.
The Lieutenant Governor also advocated for real-time monitoring of housing projects and increased awareness campaigns for homebuyers, to enhance transparency and trust in the sector.
The inaugural session of the AIFORERA Governing Council Meeting was attended by Anand Kumar, Chairman, AIFORERA; Satish Chandra, Chairman, J&K Real Estate Regulatory Authority (JKRERA); Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department; along with chairpersons of various RERAs and senior officials from across the country.
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