Shimla, Aug 29 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) would ensure the building of low-cost and quality housing projects in the state, Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma said here on Saturday.

"Keeping in view the rapid expansion of urban areas, HIMUDA should commit for systematic planning and development of housing colonies," a statement quoting the minister said.

Sharma said HIMUDA should come up with ingenious strategies and innovative solutions for ensuring low-cost and quality housing projects.

Presiding over the meeting of the board of directors of HIMUDA, he stressed upon the need to follow a more aggressive policy for bringing investment through the public, private partnership mode and ensure completion of projects within a set time frame.

The board approved the proposal for taking up with the state government the transfer of government land in Mohal Pauti and Mohal Majhola in Shimla district to the urban development department under the Infrastructure Development Scheme.

It approved the draft memorandum of understanding under the Land Owners become Partner in Development with HIMUDA scheme and the draft of Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority Lease Policy of 2015.