Reports & Papers
Impact of Anti-Competitive Practices in the Construction Industry on Housing for the Urban Poor in India
Knowledge Partner: Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR)
Access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing is recognised as a universal right and a key target for sustainable development. Yet in India, the challenge remains severe—an estimated 18 million people live without shelter, and as per the United Nations (2021), 35 percent of the urban population lives in substandard housing, amounting to nearly 170 million people. Rising urbanisation and population pressure have only intensified this demand.
Despite India presenting one of the largest prospects for affordable housing, private sector investment has been limited—only 17 percent since 2011. This underlines the urgent need for an enabling environment that fosters competition, efficiency, and innovation in the housing sector, especially housing for the urban poor.
To better understand these challenges, a study on anti-competitive practices in the construction industry was undertaken. The study assessed how such practices affect access to affordable and safe housing for the urban poor, and explored how market-oriented solutions, along with robust competition laws and policies, could help address the gaps.
The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the importance of secure housing. For developing countries like India, providing affordable housing for economically weaker sections is not just a social imperative but also a development priority. Addressing the root causes of inefficiency and restrictive practices is essential to ensure inclusive growth.
India should create a more conducive environment for affordable housing for its urban poor, which can lead to increased growth and improved access. Read the report for the study results and recommendations proposed!
The report is published by Civitas Consultancies Pvt Ltd and the Advocata Institute, with the Centre for Public Policy Research as the knowledge partner!
Anu Anna Jo is a former Senior Research Associate, Nissy Solomon is an Hon. Trustee (Research & Projects), and Dr D Dhanuraj is the Founder-Chairman at the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi, India.
Views expressed by the authors are personal and need not reflect or represent the views of the Centre for Public Policy Research.
