Haryana Assembly Approves Historic Merger of Housing Board into HSVP
The 55-year-old government housing giant, the Housing Board Haryana, has officially been dissolved and merged into the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). This landmark decision was approved by the Haryana Assembly on Friday, marking the end of an era for the institution that had been pivotal in providing affordable housing across the state.
Symbolic Opposition and Government Assurance
During the first sitting of the Budget session, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who also served as the minister in-charge, moved the government resolution for the merger. The move faced symbolic objections from opposition Congress leaders, but it was passed nonetheless. Saini emphasized that the functions of the Housing Board Haryana and HSVP were largely identical, streamlining operations for better efficiency.
He assured that the interests of all employees of the Housing Board Haryana are fully safeguarded in this transition. The government had been working on this merger for the past two years, with the cabinet already giving its go-ahead prior to the Assembly vote.
A Legacy of Affordable Housing
Established on May 18, 1971, under the Haryana Housing Board Act of 1971, the Board was created with the primary purpose of undertaking housing schemes within the state. Its key mission was to provide affordable housing for socially and economically weaker sections of society.
Over its 55-year history, the Board constructed 95,969 houses of different categories. Notably, 75% of these, amounting to 72,044 units, were specifically built for the Below Poverty Line (BPL), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Low-Income Group (LIG) categories.
It maintained an inventory of over 2 lakh residential dwelling units across various estates in 22 districts, covering both urban and suburban areas. The Board's ongoing affordable housing projects are currently in progress in key locations such as Gurugram, Taraori, and Faridabad, though the final inventory of leftover land stock is yet to be fully finalized.
Mixed Reactions and Future Implications
The merger has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from those who benefited from the Board's initiatives. Dr. Raghubir Singh Kadia, former Speaker and Congress MLA from the Beri Assembly constituency, expressed shock at the decision.
"This is really shocking to hear about the merger of the Housing Board into HSVP. The board was a hope for a cross-section of residents for its affordable and flexible housing, while HSVP is now a profit-mongering body due to auctions. I am one of the beneficiaries of the initial days of the Housing Board housing scheme. The government must reconsider its move," he stated.
This sentiment highlights concerns about the shift from a socially-driven housing model to one potentially more focused on profitability, as HSVP has been involved in land auctions. The merger aims to consolidate resources and functions, but it raises questions about the future of affordable housing initiatives in Haryana.
As the Housing Board Haryana becomes history, its legacy of providing over 2 lakh homes, particularly for the underprivileged, remains a significant chapter in the state's development. The government's assurance of employee protection and continued projects suggests a transitional phase, but the full impact on housing accessibility and policy will unfold in the coming years.
