Holcim has mandated the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER)to conduct the first comprehensive study on rural housing in India.

The study aims to review the current status of housing in rural India with a view to assess the prospects for its growth. The decision was taken at a meeting here between the Switzerland-based cement manufacturer and NCAER, an independent non-profit policy research organisation. NCAER is known for its capacity to collect original household data to address important issues of public policy.

The proposed study will identify the regional barriers and drivers of growth in rural housing. It will also provide insights that would help develop customised solutions to address the problem of inadequate housing in rural India.  

Further, the NCAER would review the existing policies and programmes of the Union and state governments to consider the potential role for public-private partnerships in the area of rural housing. Holcimis working towards developing a new business initiative for India that would cater specifically towards the rural housing and infrastructure segment.