2009 will be 'Homes for all year': Deshmukh

Mumbai, Nov 10 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said under the new housing policy to provide homes to the commonman at affordable rates, the year 2009 will be celebrated as 'Homes for all year'.

Inaugurating the symposium ''Advantage Maharashtra'', organised by Maharashtra Chamber of Housing and Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, the Chief Minister said his government had taken many good decisions for giving a lift to housing sector, while underscoring the public-private partnership in the sector.

He said the government would consider exclusion of value added tax for houses under the policy and also amendment of Maharashtra Ownership Flat Act.

Mr Deshmukh said ''The state is highly urbanised, with 42 per cent urban population. Looking at the housing needs, the government has a new housing policy.'' UNI JM RN SK BD1936