New Delhi: The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has lauded NITI Aayog’s report titled “S.A.F.E. Accommodation – Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth” as a critical step in addressing workforce challenges and advancing India’s manufacturing ambitions.
The report proposes Secure, Affordable, Flexible, and Efficient (S.A.F.E.) housing solutions to support industrial workers, aiming to enhance workforce stability, productivity, and inclusivity.
Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of ICEA, emphasized the importance of well-planned housing for industrial workers. “Providing accessible, affordable, and well-planned housing for industrial workers is not just a necessity; it is the need of the hour,” he said.
He noted that inadequate housing near industrial zones has historically caused workforce attrition and lower productivity. The report’s gender-inclusive recommendations, he added, could significantly boost women’s participation in manufacturing, a vital area for the electronics sector.
Catalyzing India’s Manufacturing Vision
The report aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub under flagship initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. ICEA sees the framework as a game-changer for the electronics manufacturing sector, which relies heavily on a stable workforce.
Key reforms proposed in the report include:
- Streamlined zoning and land-use policies: These reforms aim to enable mixed-use developments near industrial zones, reducing commute times and improving accessibility for workers.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model: With Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support, the model encourages government-private sector collaboration to address financial barriers and accelerate project completion.
- Incentives for sustainable development: The reclassification of worker accommodations under residential categories could result in lower taxes, utility rates, and GST exemptions, making such projects financially feasible for private developers.
Mohindroo added that implementing these reforms could remove barriers like restrictive zoning laws and high operating costs while fostering a socially inclusive environment. “By addressing these challenges, we can create conditions where more women feel safe, supported, and empowered to join the workforce,” he said.
Industry’s Role in Building a Manufacturing Powerhouse
ICEA underscored the need for proactive industry participation in implementing the report’s recommendations. The association believes these measures will enhance workforce retention, attract global investors, and establish India as a leader in manufacturing.
ICEA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to realize the S.A.F.E. framework and position India as a competitive manufacturing hub. The association called the initiative a cornerstone for building global-scale capacities and driving growth in the electronics manufacturing sector.
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