Vikas Jain Appointed NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen President

Vikas Jain, a turnaround specialist and chief executive officer of Mumbai-based Labdhi Lifestyle, has been unanimously appointed as President of NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the youth wing of the state real estate body. He succeeds Ridham Gada, now serving as Vice‑Chairman. Jain’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as India’s real estate sector targets a trillion‑dollar valuation by 2030, and NAREDCO seeks to energise its NextGen platform with modern financial and tech tools.

Labdhi Lifestyle, under Jain’s stewardship, has delivered over 22 projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, maintaining a reputation for quality, timely execution, and debt-free operations. These credentials position Jain uniquely to steer young professionals through an era of evolving consumer expectations and regulatory complexity. In his inauguration address, Jain set a clear agenda. “Finance will be our theme for 2025–26,” he declared, signalling a shift towards capital structuring, innovative financial instruments, and building credibility to attract investment. He emphasised that real estate must evolve into a professionally managed, consumer-centric, governance‑oriented, and innovative industry.

Expressing support, the President of NAREDCO Maharashtra noted that Jain’s insight into project financing and sector dynamics is well-suited for catalysing growth in the youth segment. Gada, in his new role, praised Jia… those same qualities. Jain’s roadmap encompasses four strategic pillars: enhanced RERA compliance, adoption of PropTech, structured financing, and institutionalised leadership development. By embedding transparency and digital tools throughout the value chain, the aim is to build trust among homebuyers and investors—an essential factor in sustaining sectoral momentum. Jain intends to launch workshops and webinars on financial literacy, regulatory dynamics, PropTech adoption, and ESG integration.

Governance and accountability are central to Jain’s platform. He proposes a “peer‑review panel” for member projects to audit governance and customer feedback. Coupled with greater RERA clarity and adoption of tech-driven systems—such as digital dashboards and AI‑based monitoring—these steps are expected to improve trust and reduce disputes. Urban experts highlight that real estate in Mumbai, especially in its satellite cities, is undergoing transformation. Rapid urbanisation, climate stress, and evolving demographics demand excellence in planning and execution. A NextGen leader focused on finance, technology, and eco‑comfort can significantly influence future urban morphology.

An industry consultant observed: “Jain’s mandate links finance with sustainable planning, which is key for equitable urban growth in Maharashtra.” The consultant underscored that today’s developers must be “not just builders, but city‑shapers.” NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen functions as a crucible for emerging professionals—including architects, planners, and financiers—keen on leadership roles. Under Jain’s presidency, the association plans to initiate mentorship programmes pairing veterans with next-gen leaders, aiming to reimagine housing products with climate-resilient design, equitable pricing, and digital aesthetics.

Labdhi Lifestyle’s portfolio already exhibits several NextGen benchmarks: pre-certified green building projects, integrated community amenities, early adoption of digital sales tools, and compliance-oriented governance. Jain pointed out that scaling such initiatives across the MMR would enhance livability and reduce carbon footprints. Critically, finance-led growth must align with affordability. Jain proposes exploring low-cost construction models using local materials and modular design—enhancing sustainability while preserving unit economics. Embedded urbanist and gender-focused design choices—such as barrier-free access and shared amenity spaces—are also part of the NextGen vision.

RERA compliance has long been a weak link, leading to delivery delays and consumer disputes. Jain’s tenure aims to correct this with standardised project disclosures and grievance redress mechanisms. Access to alternative capital channels, such as ESG bonds and REIT frameworks, is also on the agenda to reduce funding gaps and reliance on traditional debt. As Maharashtra drafts its housing policy and zero-carbon roadmaps, NAREDCO NextGen’s priorities could intersect with public institutional goals. Jain’s network with financiers and policymakers may help align industry initiatives around urban green bonds and sustainable finance incentives.

However, challenges remain. Implementing standardised financial systems across a fragmented developer base, navigating varied state regulations, and ensuring tech adoption across small and mid-sized players will demand sustained effort. Jain’s ability to unite NextGen members into cohesive professional cohorts will be crucial. The urban planning community notes this leadership shift as a potential inflection point. An architect specialising in urban design commented: “If NextGen prioritises finance, tech integration, and ESG mandates, it could define new affordable luxury categories in MMR—heightening quality without inflating costs.”

Meanwhile, more than a symbolic appointment, this represents a strategic pivot. With homebuyers now digitally informed and environmentally conscious, the real estate sector must deliver on transparency and performance. Jain’s blending of financial acumen, regulator understanding, and tech orientation suggests a path toward modern professionalism among India’s next real estate maestros. The real test of leadership lies in tangible outcomes. Will capital reforms proceed alongside large-scale RERA compliance tools? Can PropTech rollouts gain traction across midsized developers? Will green criteria translate into procurement standards?

Vikas Jain has signalled his intent. But the structural transformation of Maharashtra’s real estate landscape will depend on his ability to mobilise youth talent, enforce governance cultures, and demonstrate sustainability in project execution. If successful, the NextGen model may well be replicated across India’s developing megacities, as the sector navigates a future defined by equity, environment, and enterprise.

Vikas Jain Appointed NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen President