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Editor’s Note

palash_royWhen we launched our magazine 15 months ago, our editorial decisions were guided by an important aim —that of being the common and preferred platform for the buyer, the developer and the policymaker. It is with pride now when I say that we have achieved that and more… After bringing many a top-level bureaucrat on R&M platform, this issue carries the first-ever exhaustive interview of Urban Development Ministry Secretary Shenker Aggarwal. While the 1980 batch UP cadre IAS officer says his ministry’s priority is ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission, he discloses that the modalities of the next big thing in the Indian realty sector Smart Cities — will all be completed before the year ends.

In keeping with the buzzing activity of late in the realty sector, October proved no different. While this issue was about to go for print, the Government announced a big decision with huge implications. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms were being relaxed for the construction sector. An ecstatic industry came out with its reactions of joy. We bring you a plethora of comments from some of the leading lights of the industry.

The forthcoming winter session of Parliament could be the real big one as far as realty is concerned. With wide-ranging realty issues slated to be tabled, favourable decisions could unshackle the industry and release form that could rev up the fortunes of the sector. Among other measures, the session could also see the granting of the long-awaited ‘industry’ status for the sector. Not just that, it will be a big shot in the arm for Indian realty if with the falling interest rates and indications of revival in the economy, the RBI Governor cuts the inter. rates. Last month witnessed two key political developments. While the BJP acquired majority in the Haryana Assembly, it also managed to become the single largest party in Maharashtra even as its 44-year-old Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis holds the reins of power. In our story, the young leader declares that while affordable housing will be his key agenda, he will scrutinise those decisions of the previous Government which favoured builders out of turn. R&M Senior Special Correspondent Rajesh Tiwari fleshes out the CM, agenda in the days to come.

October was not quite the most festive of time for realty giant DLF. Stock market regulator Sebi barred the company as well as six of its top executives, including Chairman KP Singh, from the securities market for three years for “active and deliberate suppression” of material information at the time of its IPO. Nor did the markets spare the scrip as DLF stock plunged and market capitalisation of the company eroded by around  Rs. 3,000 crore.

NCR hotspots — Noida, Greater Noida and along the Yamuna Expressway—are on the Metro mode. Metro expansions works in these regions are in full swing. Our story is on how alternative Metro modes are being actively considered.

 On the vibrant Yamuna Expressway, Arjun Singh Sahni, ED, Le Solitairian, waxes eloquent on the potential of the region, and why it is the right choice for end-users and investors alike.

What shall be the foss of Smart Cities, Why should one invest in Smart Cities? Roman Bodnartuk, Consultant, Gk.! Sales& Marketing,Wave City Centre,tries to answer. In addition, are our regular reads— home loan rates of   leading lenders, new and upcoming launches, property rates of some of the localities of some of the key cities across the country, vaastu dynamics for washrooms and toilets and the monthly horoscope by bejandaruwalla.

 Enjoy reading