Question : HOUSING FOR POOR PEOPLE

(a) whether the Government proposes to provide houses constructed from the cheaper materials to the poor people living below poverty line as reported in the Rashtriya Sahara dated September 23, 2005;

(b) if so, the fact thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to introduce a single window system with a view to simplify the procedure for construction of buildings;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the State Governments are also directed to follow the new policy;

(f) if so, the details thereof;

(g) the likely participation of the private sector;

(h) whether the earlier housing policy has been fully implemented;

(i) if not, the percentage of work completed so far and the State-wise percentage of people still living below poverty line;

(j) whether it is proposed to construct houses from the material based on Biomass; and

(k) if so, the time by which this technology is likely to be put into use and benefit the people?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN EMPLOYMENT & POVERTY ALLEVIATION ( KUMARI SELJA )

(a)&(b): The Government has initiated action to revise the National Housing & Habitat Policy, 1998. A draft of the

National Urban Housing & Habitat Policy, 2005 has been prepared. In the draft Policy, it has been suggested to promote building materials and components based on agricultural and industrial wastes and other material so as to ensure affordable shelter to the poor.

(c)&(d): In the draft policy it has also been suggested that procedures for sanctioning building plans should be simplified to eliminate delays. In this context, a single window approach has been suggested in the draft.

(e)&(f): The draft of the proposed Urban Housing & Habitat Policy has been circulated to all the State Governments for their suggestions. Since it is a State subject, the State Governments may take necessary action keeping the local conditions in view.

(g): In the draft policy, role of private sector has also been suggested.

(h)&(i): The Housing & Habitat Policy, 1998 has been discussed in Housing Ministers` Conference and it was suggested to review and revise the same so as to promote sustainable development of habitat in the country and to ensure shelter and services at affordable prices. The State-wise percentage of people living below poverty line is at Annexure-I.

(j)&(k): In the draft of the National Urban Housing & Urban Policy, it has been suggested that bio-mass based housing would be encouraged to increase the life and quality of the shelter.

ANNEXURE-I

ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (h) &
(i) OF LOK SABHA USQ NO. 891 FOR 29.11.2005

Statewise Percentage of People Living Below Poverty Line in Urban Area.

Sl. State/UT % of persons
No.
1 2 3
1 ANDHRA PRADESH 26.63
2 ARUNACHAL PRADESH 7.47
3 ASSAM 7.47
4 BIHAR 32.91
5 GOA 7.52
6 GUJARAT 15.59
7 HARYANA 9.99
8 HIMACHAL PRADESH 4.63
9 JAMMU & KASHMIR 1.98
10 KARNATAKA 25.25
11 KERALA 20.27
12 MADHYA PRADESH 38.44
13 MAHARASHTRA 26.81
14 MANIPUR 7.47
15 MEGHALAYA 7.47
16 MIZORAM 7.47
17 NAGALAND 7.47
18 ORISSA 42.83
19 PUNJAB 5.75
20 RAJASTHAN 19.85
21 SIKKIM 7.47
22 TAMIL NADU 22.11
23 TRIPURA 7.47
24 UTTAR PRADESH 30.89
25 WEST BENGAL 14.86
26 A&N ISLANDS 22.11
27 CHANDIGARH 5.75
28 D&N HAVELI 13.52
29 DAMAN & DIU 7.52
30 DELHI 9.42
31 LAKSHADWEEP 20.27
32 PONDICHERRY 22.11
All India 23.62