Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani, managing director, Hiranandani Constructions

Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani is one of the most reputed names Indian construction industry. As head of Hiranandani Constructions, he has made a name for himself by creating two top-of-the-line housing projects – the Hiranandani Gardens in the suburb of Powai in Mumbai and the Hiranandani Estate at Thane, at the outskirts of Mumbai city.

He has also taken active interest in championing the cause of the construction industry and attempting to bring about some transparency and professionalism in the operations of the industry. He is also the vice president of Maharashtra Chambers of Housing Industry, a leading industry body that is taking the lead to bring about changes in the industry.

Some of his views and expectations from budget-2001:

• Construction industry should be given more importance because " they both are labour intensive and give a boost to the core sectors such as cement and steel".
• Improvement in the construction industry will have a beneficial impact on 283 industries directly and 500 industries indirectly. He said if the construction industry grows by 20 per cent, country’s overall growth will go up by 2 per cent.
• Budget should accord the same sectoral advantages and status to the construction industry, as has been done so for the hotel and telecom industries.
• Construction industry should be accord infrastructure status, so that all relevant benefits can be availed of by the industry.
• Foreign direct investment should be allowed in the construction industry.
• Rationalise stamp duty rates across the country so that the anomalies are removed and consumers spared of unnecessary harassment and troubles.

Mr. Hiranandani also felt that it was time that the government showed will to implement the National Housing policy framed long time back. This, according to him, would go a long way in boosting the prospects of the construction industry and improving the economy of the country.