Apple pivots to housing for Indian factory workers. Plans 78,000 homes

After creating 150,000 direct jobs over two and a half years, the Apple ecosystem is now turning its attention towards providing residential accommodations for factory workers, emulating the models of industrial housing seen in China and Vietnam, as reported by The Economic Times (ET). Government officials said that Apple's contract manufacturers and suppliers, including Foxconn, Tata, and Salcomp, are in the process of developing housing for their employees. These residences are being built through a public-private partnership, marking the largest private-sector initiative of its kind. The initiative aims to construct over 78,000 units, with Tamil Nadu set to receive the highest allocation of 58,000 units. The majority of housing unit construction is being undertaken by the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT). Additionally, the Tata Group and SPR India are involved in constructing homes. Under the scheme, the Centre is expected to contribute 10-15 per cent of the funding, with the remaining portion sourced from state governments and entrepreneurs. Officials anticipate that construction and handover to the private sector will conclude within the current financial year, ending on March 31, 2025. "The massive employee housing initiative aims to enhance efficiency and provide security, particularly for migrant women employees, the majority of whom fall in the 19-24 age group," said an official.