Question : BROWN REVOLUTION PROGRAMME PROJECT

(a) whether the Union Government have introduced any schemes to provide home to all the citizens by the year 2010 under the Brown Revolution Programme/Project; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT & POVERTY ALLEVIATION ( SHRI O. RAJAGOPAL )

(a)&(b): The Government through the National Agenda for Governance have declared Housing for All as a priority area and has decided to focus on the housing needs of citizens in general and that of the poor and the deprived in particular. Towards this end, the Agenda sets a target of construction of additional Two Million houses ( 7 lakh in Urban areas and 13 lakh in Rural areas) every year through State Government agencies on a demand-driven approach. The steps taken by the Government to fulfil the target of `Housing for All` are given in Annexure.

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4369 FOR 17.12.2002

Following steps have been taken by the Government to fulfil the target of `Housing for All`:

1. Fiscal incentives under the Income Tax Act and in customs and excise duties are available.

2. Legal reforms have been initiated to facilitate housing. The Urban Land Ceiling Act has been repealed. Model Rent Control Legislation has been prepared and circulated among State Governments for its adoption.

3. The Government, through greater interaction with the National Housing Bank and Housing Finance Institutions is seeking to ensure greater private sector participation. Government is seeking to strengthen the cooperative sector through the National Cooperative Housing Federation.

4. Government is also seeking to give a boost to housing through the propagation of appropriate cost effective and environment friendly technology.

5. The Central Government has also launched a new scheme titled `Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana` (VAMBAY) for providing housing and upgradation of existing housing for below poverty line families in urban slums with a component for construction of community toilets.