Modi Sarkar@2: We have to create more job opportunities, says M Venkaiah Naidu

Sunday ET catches up with Venkaiah Naidu on his views on two years of the Modi government.

On the biggest achievements as minister of two urban ministries
Mainstreaming the urban agenda, particularly among the political class at the level of urban local bodies and states, sensitising all stakeholders towards the humongous challenge of recasting urban India, and making urban areas more effective engines of economic growth in an ecosystem that promotes inclusive development are some of the key outcomes of our efforts during the last two years.

On gaps in MoUs signed at state investment summits and actual investment
The MoUs that are signed speak of the rising confidence among investors in the enabling environment being created by the Central government. These intentions need to be translated into concrete outcomes, with both the signatories doing their bit. I have reason to believe that with the emerging spirit of competitive federalism on the part of states, and the Central government speaking a new language matched by required actions, more and more investments will certainly flow into different sectors.

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On ‘Housing for All’ by 2022
From the experience of implementing housing programmes under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), we have incorporated some fundamental changes to ensure that the mission targets are met. These include approving funding only for housing projects where land is available, giving freedom to urban local bodies (ULBs) and states in demand assessment, beneficiary survey, formulation of projects and their appraisal and approval, etc. Interest subsidy of 6.5% is being given, the highest ever in the country. Going by the enthusiasm on the part of ULBs and states under this mission, it should be possible to cover the estimated housing shortage of about 2 crore units in urban areas. Owning a decent house is a fundamental right. Since this housing mission is focused on the poor, huge political stakes are also involved in the success of this mission. I am sure different parties in power in different states will do the needful to ensure housing for all urban poor. The Central government will not be found wanting in this regard. The Real Estate ( Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, would also further the cause of housing.

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On steps to alleviate urban poverty
First, we have to create more job opportunities to address poverty. This is possible only if there is enough quality physical, social, economic and institutional infrastructure for more investments in urban areas. Then, we need to address the issue of equitable sharing of urban spaces and efficient and reliable mobility systems. We are moving forward with a comprehensive approach to address these issues under different new urban missions launched over the last two years.

The Pradhan Mantri Awas YojanaUrban (PMAY-Urban) is a major initiative to address the housing needs of the urban poor. We have extended Deen Dayal Antyodaya YojanaNational Urban Livelihoods Mission to all the 4,041 statutory cities and towns from the 791 cities and towns that were earlier included in 2013. Under this initiative, we intend to create more livelihood opportunities for the urban poor through skill development and job placement, formation of self-help groups, interest subsidy for setting up individual and group enterprises for self-employment, construction of shelters for the urban homeless, developing infrastructure for street vendors, etc. We have also given flexibility to states for effective implementation of this livelihoods mission.

On the way forward to get consensus for key bills such as GST
A sense of collective political responsibility to enable people to meet their aspirations is the best way forward for effective functioning of our parliamentary democracy. Things are changing for the better. Public pressure has enabled the unanimous passage of the Real Estate Bill. Hopefully, GST Bill will also see the light of day soon. The government is always ready for discussions to resolve all contentious issues.