The state government is planning to spend Rs 50,000 crore on building housing for the poor. The announcement was made by the state minister for housing, Cherukuvada Sriranganadha Raju in Vizianagaram on Friday.
Regarding under-construction housing allotments made for beneficiaries by the previous government, the minister said that the government will conduct an inquiry after which beneficiaries would be allotted houses. He assured that all genuine beneficiaries could submit their bills.
Earlier, during a meeting with engineers of the housing department in the district, the minister said that the responsibility of construction of houses for scheduled tribes would be given to one person instead of a major contractor and that each housing block for Dalits and scheduled tribes would consist of 20-25 units.
Raju, who is also the minister in-charge of Vizianagaram district pointed out that the district must set a benchmark in this regard.
Speaking to the minister on the occasion, the engineers said that they would draw up a plan according to the requirement and will submit proposals soon.
“We will also look at taking up the housing construction through convergence projects such as the NREGS,” a senior engineer said.
District collector, M Hari Jawaharlal said, “The district had won the SKOCH award last year and we hope to continue the good work in the coming years as well. There would be special focus on housing for the poor.”
Nearly 10,000 houses have been granted to Vizianagaram district under various central schemes over the last five years.
The minister maintained that special care would have to be taken when allotting houses and only genuine applicants should benefit.
Source: The Times of India
