G.O.(Ms) No.18, Second Tamil Nadu Housing Sector Strengthening Program, Administrative Sanction
The Housing and Urban Development [UHD-1(1)] Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu issued G.O.(Ms) No.18, dated 8 February 2023, granting administrative sanction to implement the World Bank financed Second Tamil Nadu Housing Sector Strengthening Program with a Development Policy Loan of USD 190 million. The program supports affordable housing access, institutional reform, increased housing supply, sustainability and climate resilience.
Purpose and scope
G.O.(Ms) No.18 of the Housing and Urban Development [UHD-1(1)] Department authorises implementation of the Second Tamil Nadu Housing Sector Strengthening Program. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, part of the World Bank, finances the USD 190 million Development Policy Loan.
The program provides budget support against completed policy and institutional actions. Its objective is to increase access to affordable housing and improve its long-term sustainability by strengthening institutions, changing policies and creating a more efficient and inclusive housing sector.
Who may be affected
The Second Tamil Nadu Housing Sector Strengthening Program involves the Government of Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and planning authorities.
Property buyers, apartment owners and housing professionals may encounter reforms recorded under the program, including online planning permission systems, proposed apartment ownership legislation, affordable housing finance measures and climate-related building standards. G.O.(Ms) No.18 grants program-level administrative sanction and does not provide approval for a particular property or land parcel.
Key provisions
The completed prior actions are organised around three pillars:
- Affordable housing access: Tamil Nadu Housing Board is to better serve lower-income households, use inclusive cross-subsidies, involve the private sector and develop mixed-use and mixed-income habitats.
- Housing options and finance: Government Orders were issued to offer housing choices based on household affordability and participation, and to facilitate access to private housing finance.
- Maintenance: Community-driven operation and maintenance systems are required in new government-sponsored EWS housing units.
- Planning permissions: All planning authorities are required to move to an online single-window approval system.
- Housing information: An integrated information system and an annual report on the state of the housing sector are required.
- Apartment ownership: A bill was submitted to the State Legislative Assembly to repeal the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 1994 and replace it with the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 2022.
- Energy and climate measures: New housing developments supported by Tamil Nadu Housing Board and Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board must follow thermal comfort and energy efficiency criteria based on the Eco-Niwas Samhita 2018 Code.
- Chennai planning: The Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Planning Area Rules 1974 were amended to support integrated land use and infrastructure planning, carbon reduction and climate resilience in master plans.
Implementation status
The loan and program agreements were signed on 1 August 2022, and the program became effective on 30 September 2022. The Government of Tamil Nadu is responsible for implementation, progress monitoring and evaluation of result indicators. The program was expected to be completed by 30 June 2024.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does G.O.(Ms) No.18 approve or transfer my land?
No property-specific approval or land transfer is provided. G.O.(Ms) No.18 grants administrative sanction for implementing a statewide housing sector program.
Will planning permission applications move online?
The program records a completed prior action requiring all planning authorities to move to an online single-window approval system for planning permissions.
Did G.O.(Ms) No.18 replace the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 1994?
No. The document says a bill was submitted to the State Legislative Assembly to repeal the 1994 Act and replace it with the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 2022. It does not say that the replacement had been enacted.
What is the value and stated timeline of the program?
The Development Policy Loan is USD 190 million. The program became effective on 30 September 2022 and was expected to be completed by 30 June 2024.
