Question

Read the passage below and answer the following questions based on the passage ( Q no 23 to 26) The housing needs of urban India have become increasingly critical as rapid urbanization continues to reshape the demographic and economic landscape of the country. With more than a third of India’s population now residing in urban areas, this figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. As cities expand, the demand for affordable, adequate, and sustainable housing has surged, posing significant challenges for urban planners and policymakers. The growing gap between housing supply and demand has resulted in a housing crisis, particularly for the low- and middle-income segments of the population. One of the primary drivers of the housing shortage in urban India is the pace of migration from rural areas to cities. People move to cities in search of better employment opportunities, education, and healthcare. However, the infrastructure in many Indian cities has not kept pace with this rapid influx. This has led to overcrowded and informal settlements, such as slums, where millions of urban residents live without access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, and electricity. The proliferation of such informal housing points to the urgent need for affordable housing solutions. Affordability is a significant concern in addressing the housing needs of urban India. The rising cost of land and real estate, especially in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, has made homeownership out of reach for many. Low-income families often spend a substantial portion of their earnings on rent, leaving them with limited financial security. The lack of affordable housing options forces these families into substandard living conditions, exacerbating urban poverty and inequality. Moreover, middle-income households also face difficulties in securing affordable housing, as the real estate market is skewed toward luxury developments that cater to higher-income groups.