The finance ministry is finalising a booster dose for the real estate sector to ensure that stalled projects get bank sector financing. The move, which is expected to help revive growth, is likely to be decided over the coming weeks.

“The main aim is to provide credit to unfinished real estate projects, especially those in the residential sector, so that they can be completed and find buyers,” a senior executive with a public sector bank said. Bank credit to the housing sector has grown by only 12.1 per cent year on year as per latest RBI data. This is far lower than the 15.9 per cent growth rate of aggregate bank credit.

The issue was discussed by finance minister P Chidambaram last month when he held a review meeting with heads of public sector banks and financial institutions. Sources said that the Indian Banks Association (IBA), which is the umbrella organisation for banks, has already submitted a report on unsold real estate projects.

“We are looking at a number of options to help revive the construction sector. A decision will be taken soon,” a senior official said.

Bankers are understood to have suggested proposals such as lower provisioning in the lending norms for banks or even permitting loans for specific projects. On Saturday the National Housing Bank chairman and managing director RV Verma said he will provide Rs 9,000 crore refinance assistance to institutions in the home loan business till next June. Speaking on the sidelines of National Real Estate Development Council convention in New Delhi, Verma said he is confident of meeting the target.