Observations of Indian Institute of Architects Punjab Chapter(IIAPC) on union budget

Ludhiana, February 1, 2022: Architect members of IIAPC met today and following observations were made regarding union budget presented today.

Architect Sanjay Goel - Director Ludhiana Smart City Limited and Chairman IIA Punjab Chapter observed that smart city mission must continue and government must increase its funds allocation.

•    Architects liked high-level committee/panel for urban planners and economists to be  formed by union government for recommendations on urban capacity building, planning  implementation, and governance and five existing academic institutions for urban planning to be  designated as Centre for Excellence with endowment fund of Rs 250 crore. 

•    Architects also appreciated the idea of government that modern building by-laws will be introduced. Architects also liked step of government to promote use of public transport in urban areas.

Climate & Net Zero - Architects appreciated the proposal of government that energy transition and action on climate to be major priority for government as risks of climate change are strongest externalities for the world.

Housing & urban planning - Architects also liked allocation of  Rs 48, 000 crore for PM Awas Yojana. In 2022-23, 80 lakh houses will be completed for identified beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana; 60,000 houses will be identified as beneficiaries for PM Awas Yojana in rural & urban areas.

Architects liked that government will invest Rs 7.50 lakh crore as capital expenditure next year, a sharp jump from Rs 5.54 lakh crore in the current year.