The norms, targeting large infrastructure projects and affordable housing, will provide a major fillip to construction and infrastructure sectors. The new rules will result in removal of the minimum 10-hectare rule for serviced-housing plots; reduction of minimum floor area for construction projects eligible for overseas investment (from 50,000 sq m to 20,000 sq m) and also a reduction in minimum ticket size for FDI investment (from US$10mn to US$5mn).
• Allowing 100% FDI will provide right impetus to the capital-starved housing and real estate sector, especially in tier II and tier III cities.
• Reduction in minimum area to 20,000 sq m will enable development of relatively small land parcels in urban areas where large holdings are difficult to find.
• Affordable housing and allied construction sectors including cement, steel, sanitary-ware and paints, among others, will receive a further boost.
• Greater focus on social sector infrastructure, including healthcare, education and tourism, by providing access to FDI in segments like hospitals, old-age homes, educational institutions, hotels and resorts.
• Relaxed exit norms based on completion of project or three years after investment will allay concerns of lock-in period and bring clarity on exit route for overseas investors.
ASSOCHAM strongly believes that the latest provisions of FDI in construction will not only trigger a construction boom in the country, while enabling enhanced job creation, but also act as a stepping stone towards realizing the aim of ‘Housing for All by 2022'.