Govt considers easing FDI rules for Construction Industry

The Central Government is contemplating to ease foreign direct investment (FDI) rules for the construction sector. A proposal to allow limited liability partnerships (LLP) to invest in the construction of townships, roads, hotels and hospitals is under consideration. Allowing LLPs will open a new investment avenue at a time when the government is struggling to revive the economy from its worst annual contraction on record and generate employment in a country still shedding jobs months after the pandemic-induced lockdown. The government estimates India will require investment worth $777 billion across infrastructure for development by 2022. The construction sector received FDI inflows worth $25.7 billion between April 2000 and September 2020, government data show. The relaxation in rules is also likely to help the government get closer to its target of creating affordable housing for all in urban areas by 2022 and building 100 smart cities. Currently, foreign investors have to meet certain conditions for investing in the construction development sector such as a three year lock-in period before exiting. Allowing LLP firms will afford the sector ability to receive foreign investments more easily.