Question : MEGA HOUSING SCHEME FOR POORS

(a) whether the Union Government have recently approved a mega housing scheme for the poors residing in urban and rural areas particularly the people living in slums of towns and cities at half of the cost price;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the modalities for the sanction of houses;

(d) the details of Central allocations made for the implementation of scheme during the 10th Five Year Plan;

(e) the number of families likely to be benefited under this scheme during the said period, State-wise; and

(f) the time by which this scheme is likely to be completed?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT & POVERTY ALLEVIATION ( SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA )

(a)to(c): The Union Government has decided to launch a scheme known as `Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana` to provide shelter or upgrade the existing shelter for people below poverty line in urban slums for achieving the goal of `Housing for all` as outlined in the National Housing and Habitat Policy. The details of scheme including the guidelines and modalities will be finalised in due course.

(d): The details of the scheme will be reviewed by the Govt. for the purpose of allocation before its inclusion in the Xth Five Year Plan period, inter alia, to ensure convergence with similar ongoing schemes of the Department.

(e)&(f): Under the scheme, 4 lakh additional houses are likely to be provided annually to the urban poor.