The country is close to achieving the target of 3 crore houses under the rural housing scheme and two crore more will be constructed in the next five years, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first instalment of Rs 540 crore to one lakh beneficiaries of a rural housing scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) via video conferencing.

She said to meet investment needs, the government will prepare the financial sector in terms of size, capacity, skills, and regulatory framework.

The government will facilitate high and more resource-efficient economic growth to ensure energy security for the country.

She added that India as a G20 host has showed the way forward and built a consensus for solutions for problems being faced by the world.

India organised the G20 summit here at Bharat Mandapam last year.

Govt to launch housing scheme for deserving middle class

The government will launch a housing scheme for deserving middle class to buy or build their own houses, Sitharaman said.

Sitharaman, in her pre-election Budget, which is technically a vote on account and popularly termed an interim Budget, said the government will also adopt an economic approach that facilitates sustainable development and improves productivity.

She also mentioned about rooftop solarisation to ensure one crore household free electricity of up to 300 units per month, leading to household savings of Rs 15,000-18,000 annually.

The finance minister said the government will set up more medical colleges, utilising existing hospital infrastructure.

Besides, utmost attention will be paid to the development of the eastern region and its people.