Affordable Housing Schemes in India: Analytical Essay

Introduction

Today India’s population is the second largest population in the world. Due to increasing population in the India, the demand of houses is also increases. In recent years cost of houses increases rapidly due to high demand of houses and inflation. In India, major part of the population comes under the low income group (LIG) and economically weaker section (EWS), who cannot afford house at market price. Indian government launches many schemes under affordable housing for economically weaker people who cannot afford buying a house. Affordable housing refers to housing units that are affordable by that section of society whose income is below the medium household income.

For constructing mass housing works, it is necessary to have new technologies which are capable of speedy construction and are able to deliver good quality and durable structure in cost effective manner. Formwork system has significant role in the construction process, making the right decision by choosing the appropriate formwork system could lead to response to sustainable construction. Different systems have their own advantages but one needs to choose a formwork which best supports individual project requirement. Formwork is a temporary construction to support structural members during concrete hardening stage to with stand oncoming loads like dead load of wet concrete, hydrostatic pressure of concrete and live loads due to labor and equipment, sudden impacts load due to vibrators, pouring of concrete and due to equipment operation etc. Formworks are generally made by wood, steel, aluminium or prefabricated forms into which the concrete is poured. The formwork used to cast the structural elements such as, columns, beams, slabs and shear walls also used for smaller parts of building such as stairs, etc. Selection of formwork in building is depend upon, the main factors such as cost, time and quality.

1.1 Affordable Housing

Affordable housing refers to housing units that are affordable by that section of society whose income is below the medium household income. Different countries have different definitions for affordable housing, but it is largely the same, that is affordable housing should address the housing needs of the lower or middle income households. Affordable units are those which could be affordable or afforded by a country population that earns less than countries average household income. In other words houses that the low income households and economically weaker section can afford are termed as affordable housing.

Affordable housing becomes a key issue especially in developing nations where a majority of the population isn't able to buy houses at the market price. Disposable income of the people remains the primary factor in determining the affordability. As a result, it becomes the increased responsibility of the government to cater to the rising demand for affordable housing. The Government of India has taken various measures to meet the increased demand for affordable housing along with some developers and stressing on public-private partnerships (PPP) for development of these units.

1.1.1 Affordability means in India

Affordability, especially in the Indian real estate sector, can mean a wide range of things. Specifically, the term holds different meaning for different categories of demographics. Further, there are also several socio-economic variables governing a city or location to consider. Generally, ‘affordable housing’ refers to residences that have been especially designed for the economically weaker section (EWS) and Lower Income Group (LIG) who are looking for the same comfort and security of a self-owned property/home that the more fortunate middle class enjoys.

There have been several initiatives by the central government that have boosted affordable housing sector lack of accessibility has been one of the top reasons why low cost housing was inaccessible. Even if such housing is outside of the main city periphery improved connectivity makes distances shorter and such areas one more viable and desirable as residential destinations. The Ministry of housing in urban development defines the affordable housing on the basis of size, price, affordability and income.

a. Criteria for EWS (Economically Weaker Section)

An affordable house would mean a unit measuring between 300 and 500 sqft, prices below Rs 5 lakh for which a household has to pay Rs 4,000-5,000 in EMI (equated monthly installment). The income ratios, in this case, should be of 2:3.

b. Criteria for LIG (Low Income Group)

An affordable house would mean a unit measuring between 500 and 600 sq ft, priced between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 12 lakh for which a household has to pay Rs 5,000-10,000 in EMI. The income ratios, in this case, should be of 3:4

c. Criteria for MIG (Medium Income Group)

An affordable house would mean a unit measuring between 600 and 1,200 sq ft, priced between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 50 lakh for which a household has to pay Rs 10,000-30,000 in EMI. The income ratios, in this case, should be of 4:5.

1.1.2 Current trends in affordable housing

By definition affordable housing addresses the housing needs of lower or middle income households. It is of utmost importance in a developing country like India that is typified by a rapidly increasing population, the mobility of that population towards urban centers and the inability of the majority of the populace to afford a house at prevalent market prices. Bearing this in mind, Government of India launched its “Housing for all by 2022” scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in June 2015.

Government of India had approved an investment of ₹439.22 billion for construction of 6,83,724 houses for urban poor including central assistance commitment of ₹100.50 billion by April 2016. The ultimate target of the scheme is to complete 20 million households in urban India and 30 million households in rural India by 2022. As a salient feature of the scheme, Government of India will provide an interest subsidy of 6.5% on housing loans availed by the beneficiaries for a period of 20 years under Credit Link Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) from the start of a loan. The houses provided are eco-friendly and preference has been given to differently abled and senior citizens in allotment of ground floors.

Overall, the residential housing market has contracted about 33% from January to September 2017 in comparison with the same period of the previous year. However, the affordable housing segment has seen an unprecedented growth of 27%. In fact, according to projections, affordable housing finance will be a ₹6 lakh crore business by 2022.

Government of India has been methodical in its approach to set and achieve targets. In the rural sector, a target of 1 crore new houses was set to be completed by 31st March 2019. Out of these, a target of 51 lakh houses was to be achieved by 31st March 2018. Furthermore, the target was divided into months in consultation with the various state governments. Thus, GOI has already achieved its target of completing 10 lakh houses by November 2017 and appears on course to construct 15 lakh more houses by 31st December 2017 and 25 lakh by 31st January 2017.

More recently, in a move to boost sale of affordable housing, the Union Cabinet has increased the carpet area for houses that will fall under the PMAY. Middle-class home buyers are now expected to be able to purchase bigger houses at low costs. The move has also augured well for builders who had large inventories of unsold houses that did not fall within the prescribed limits of the PMAY-HFA, thus triggering a virtuous cycle of employment generation and economic growth.

Given the importance of purpose exhibited by the government, the response of builders to government policy and the unquestionable demand in the market for affordable housing in India, there is not much reason to doubt that the trend looks likely to continue well into 2019.

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1.1.3 Affordable Housing Policies in India

There are various policies related to affordable housing by state and central government of India-

1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 2015
2. EPFO Housing Scheme (Jharkhand), 2017
3. Tamil Nadu Housing Board Scheme (Tamilnadu),
4. Deen Dayal Awaas Yojana (Hariyana), 2016
5. Delhi Development Authority Housing Scheme, 2018
6. Maharashtra Housing And Area Development Authority (MHADA), 2018
7. NTR Urban Housing Scheme (Andhra Pradesh), 2017
8. Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY), 2009

1.2 Formwork

Formwork is the term used for the process of making a temporary mould into which concrete is poured and shaped. Formwork by name means “The Mold” which implies that it is the casing into which the concrete is poured to obtain the desired structural shape. In construction industry formwork is similar to a mold to cast concrete member in different shape and sizes using different types of materials such as timber, steel, aluminum, plastic, etc. Shuttering is a synonym term used for formwork. Formwork should have enough strength to carry dead load and live load coming on it during casting and after that till concrete gets hard and gain some percentage of design strength. Formwork system has important role in the construction process, making the right decision by choosing the appropriate formwork material could lead to response to sustainable construction. Different formwork materials have their own advantages but one needs to choose a formwork which best supports individual project requirement. Formwork is a temporary construction to support structural members during concrete hardening stage to with stand oncoming loads like dead load of wet concrete, hydrostatic pressure of concrete and live loads due to labor and equipment, sudden impacts load due to vibrators, pouring of concrete and due to equipment operation etc.

For constructing mass housing works, it is necessary to have latest technologies which are capable of speedy construction and are able to deliver good quality and durable structure in cost effective manner. Formworks are generally made by wood, steel, aluminium or prefabricated forms into which the concrete is poured. The formwork used to cast the structural elements such as, columns, beams, slabs and shear walls also used for smaller parts of building such as stairs, etc. Selection of formwork in high-rise building is depend upon, the main factors such as cost, time and quality.

1.2.1 Formwork Specifications

When choosing formwork, the type of concrete and temperature of the pour are vital concerns as they both effects the pressure exerted.

The formwork sides should be capable of resisting the hydrostatic pressure of the wet concrete which will become to zero within several hours depending on the rate of setting and curing.

The formwork base or soffit must be capable of resisting the initial dead load of the wet concrete and the dead load of the dry concrete.

Once the concrete has gained enough strength the formwork can be removed. A minimum value of 5 N/mm2 is usually recommended in all cases when striking vertical formwork as so not to damage the permanent concrete in the process.

High quality workmanship and inspection are necessary to make sure a high standard and appearance of the resulting concrete structure.

Formwork in its various forms will be supported by false work. This refers to poles, stabilizers, or other units that keep the shuttering or formwork in place as the concrete dries.

1.2.2 Requirements of good formwork

The following requirements should be satisfied by good formwork:

• Enough Strength to resist dead and live loads.
• Material of formwork should be cheap and easy available.
• Formwork should be lightweight.
• Material must be suitable for reuse.
• Capable of retaining its shape by being efficiently propped and braced horizontally and vertically.
• Cement grout should not leak from joints.
• Should be capable of being removed in various parts without damaging the concrete.
• Should be set accurately to the desired line.
• Material should not warp or distort on exposure to the elements.
• Should rest on a firm base.

1.2.3 Parameters for selection of formwork

Appropriate selection of a formwork system is a crucial factor in successfully completing most building projects. Formwork consists about 35-40% of cost required for any RCC member. Factors for selecting the formwork are given below-

• Economy- Economy can be achieved by designing the same size of concrete structure to the extent possible and by careful consideration in designing, planning, quality management and safe practices. Formwork should have least cost while maintaining the desired quality and safety.
• Efficiency- The operation of the formwork should be easy. It should be easy in handling, shuttering and striking at the same time able to provide as many repetitions optimally.
• Quality- The quality of the form work system to satisfy strength requirement, rigidity, position and dimensions.
• Safety- The formwork should be able to ensure the safety of workers and concrete structure as well.

1.2.4 Issues with Conventional formwork

Conventional formwork are given below-

• Number of repetition in plywood formwork is less.
• Plywood cannot be used for heavy structure.
• Plywood formwork is not eco-friendly
• Plywood formwork cannot bear heavy vibration.
• Plywood formwork has no salvage value.
• Corrosion rate of mild Steel is high in mild steel plate formwork.
• Mild Steel is heavy so labour handling is not easy.

1.4 Objectives

The specific objectives of the study are as follows:

• To find out cost of Aluminium formwork.
• To find out advantages, disadvantages and limitations of Aluminium Formwork.
• To do a comparison in between the Conventional Formwork and Aluminium Formwork.

1.5 Methodology

The methodology shall be collecting the technical details from the available literature on the subject and through the discussion with the site engineers, contractors and workers. Structural detail of project is used for calculating the material required for formwork. Cost of formwork can be calculated through the material cost of formwork, labour cost and number of repetition of formwork. Price of the material find out through the local suppliers and contractors. Data collected from the site visit. Drawing details used for the calculation of the formwork area.

1.6 Scope

The main scope of this study includes the following-

• The study will mainly focus on the cost required by Aluminium formwork in Lucknow affordable housing.
• This study will also focus on the advantages and disadvantages of aluminium formwork used in affordable housing.