I am pleased to learn that First Construction Council is organizing the India Construction Festival.

The construction sector is a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation. Underlining its importance, 2019-2020 has been declared as the year of construction technology.

Our Government has taken initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, HRIDAY and AMRUT. We have initiated measures to usher in transparency in thie construction sector. We are moving ahead with the vision of 'Housing for all'. Our emphasis has been on making available affordable housing with the help of the latest and best housing technologies.

The stakeholders in the construction sector must pool together their resources and capacity to provide home for the poor and the disadvantaged sections of the society. The emphasis must be on maximizing resilience in the wake of disasters, increased energy efficiency, innovation and local skills. The sector has immense potential to generate skilled employment.

I am sure that the India Construction Festival will be a singular success.

May the Festival serve to increase the quality of skilled workers,designing and engineering techniques.