A high-level panel of government officials, representatives from private sector and social workers has called for a separate policy on rural habitat with "panchayati raj'' institutions playing a major role in not only framing policies but also in its implementation. Taking part in a national consultation organised by the South Asia Regional Knowledge Platform with support from Building and Social Housing Foundation, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and Development Alternatives, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj Secretary, Wajahat Habibullah, stressed the strong position of "panchayati raj'' institutions in planning and development of rural habitat.