The United Nations and its constituent bodies recognized that right to adequate housing is a fundamental part of human rights. The States have been mandated to meet its public housing obligations that have been addressed in various UN declarations and conventions. India is a signatory to UN Habitat treaties and committed to make housing for all in line with the UN recommendations. Further, the right to housing has got recognition through judicial interpretation under article 21 of the Constitution of India that guarantees protection of life and personal liberty. Government has formulated various national plans and policies since independence related to housing in India. Currently, various centrally sponsored schemes are under implementation and the aim of these schemes are to create more housing stocks, in situ development and up-gradation of existing infrastructure facilities in India.
This paper traces how the housing policy has evolved over the years as a human right and a basic need, particularly from international perspective. The paper also traces the evolution of national housing plans and policies in India from the time of Independence to the present day and India's commitment to international declarations related to housing.
Housing, Shelter, Urban, Human Rights
