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The Bhoomi Poojan For Raheja Atharva in Sector 109, Gurgaon is slated for July 29, 2008 at 10am.

"It is UPA government's policy to provide housing to the weaker sections of the society, and noncompliance will result in tough action from the government. Builders cannot go against the National Housing and Habitat Policy, which has made mandatory for them to set aside at
least 10% for EWS construction," a senior housing ministry official said.

According to the policy, at least 15% of land in housing projects or 20%% floor area ratio (FAR) -- whichever is greater -- has to be reserved for EWS/ LIG (low income group) housing. The Centre has taken seriously to instances in states such as Karnataka, Delhi and UP where builders have flouted EWS norms. Therefore, it has directed states to enforce the reservation strictly.

According to officials, city municipal authorities would not permit developers to advertise their buildings or flats if the building plan does not have accommodation for poor. Apart from EWS allocation, necessary building bye-laws and lay-out clearances by registered architects have to be in place before the builders can advertise their properties.

Apart from pursuing the mandatory EWS housing, the ministry has also asked the finance ministry to direct nationalised banks to lend EWS families funds at lower rates to buy houses. The ministry has said the poor should be charged 5% below the prevalent market rate.

Investment throughout Asia and other emerging markets continued to grow, as sales of major co