In the context of the formulation of the Eleventh Five Year Plan, it has been decided to set up a Working Group on Construction. The composition of the Working Group will be as follows:

II. Terms of Reference for the Working Group:

1. To study the present Indian Construction Industry, keeping in view the focus on creation of a world class infrastructure and rebuilding rural India - Bharat Nirman . Make an assessment of qualitative and quantitative capabilities of the Indian Construction Industry in the background of category-wise projections for construction and allied supporting activities in the 11^th Plan, with a view to evolve strategies for overcoming deficiencies and bottlenecks and achieve time bound targets.
2. To review the present procedures of Government procurement including dispute resolution mechanisms for construction work and evolve measures for improvement, especially in view of increase in privatization in the infrastructure sector.
3. To review the present system for execution, supervision of progress and quality, release of funds, certification, billing and payment for work and suggest remedial measures for minimizing time and cost over-runs in construction projects undertaken by or on behalf of Government.
4. To review the state of present financing models for construction work; institutional financing from Banks/Financial Institutions and their lending norms, and recommend measures to enable access to finance at globally competitive rates.
5. To focus on R and D activities in the construction sector and suggest measures for greater use of modern technologies and equipment and speedy adaptation of new methods.
6. To evaluate the role of Construction Sector in generating employment, keeping in view the qualitative and quantitative changes which have occurred in the recent past and to suggest measures for qualitative upgradation and more remunerative employment in the construction industry.
7. To assess the demand of manpower, category-wise and suggest remedial measures, including skill development, to face shortages.
8. To review the quality and safety aspects in construction and to suggest necessary measures.
9. To review the status of asset management and evolve suitable strategies for implementation at local/State/Central Government level.
10. To study the impact of this industry on environment and suggest measures to make it more environmental friendly and sustainable; to also review the present regulatory framework for environmental clearance with a view to making it more business friendly.
11. To review the status of data base in the construction sector and to suggest ways and means to upgrade, augment and effectively maintain the same on institutional basis.
12. To study the best practices adopted worldwide and draw lessons for the Indian Construction industry.
13. To suggest a policy framework for increasing productivity and reducing construction costs, in order to ensure the healthy development of the construction sector after examining/ reviewing the above mentioned areas.
14. To examine any other matter considered important by the Working Group

III. The Chairman of the Working Group may co-opt officials or non-officials as Members and constitute sub-groups, if considered necessary. Representatives nominated, if any, by the Central Ministries/ Organisation should not be below the level of Joint Secretary.

IV. The non-official Members of the Working Group will be paid TA/DA at the rates applicable for Grade-I officers of the Central Government for attending meetings of the Working Group.

V. The Working Group will submit its report to the Planning Commission by 31^st August, 2006.