problems and perspectives Sharma, A.K. creator text xu| 1996 continuing ng p.35-38 Highlighting the fact that the challenges of homelessness and urban slums are largely the spill over problems of inadequate rural habitat, the author suggests measures to improve the rural housing scenario. Poverty, low income, population growth, westernisation, changes in values and environmental factors are the major reasons for houselessness and low quality houses in the rural areas, he says. The poor people of India lack all basic facilities. A need-based house seems to be a luxury for them, as they are incapable of meeting the rising cost of building material. We cannot solve the housing problem without a strong political will and properly designed strategies, he feels. - Reproduced Housing - India Housing Kurukshetra 180718