Question : CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES UNDER IAY

(a) whether any assessment has been made with regard to total requirement of dwelling units under Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) in the country as on date;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the total number of houses constructed under IAY during the last three years and the current year, State-wise, year-wise;

(d) the total amount of funds allocated, released and spent during the last three years and the current year, State-wise, year-wise;

(e) whether any irregularities have been found in the funds spent and in construction of houses;

(f) if so, the details thereof including the monitoring mechanism in place and the action taken on the complaints made during the last three years and the current year, State-wise, year-wise;and

(g) the steps taken by the Government to achieve the targets fixed under IAY?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a) & (b): As per the estimate made by Registrar General of India (RGI) based on Census 2001, the total housing shortage in the rural areas of the country was 148.25 lakh houses. Further, as per estimation made by Working Group constituted by the Planning Commission for Rural Housing for 12th Five Year Plan, the rural housing shortage is about 40 million houses.

(c) & (d): A Statement showing the State-wise Central funds allocated, released, utilization made by the State Government and houses constructed under IAY during the last three years and current year is given at Annexure-I.

(e) & (f): The Indira Awaas Yojana Scheme is being implemented by the States/UTs. At the Central level, the scheme is closely monitored through various mechanisms such as Monthly and quarterly review meetings, visits by the Area Officers, Concurrent Evaluation Reports and Impact Evaluation Research Studies. National Level Monitors (NLMs) are appointed and deputed for independent inquiry and monitoring of the scheme. Whenever, any complaint in respect of irregularities in the implementation of the scheme is brought to the notice of the Ministry, the matter is immediately taken up with the concerned State Government/UT. In the case of complaints received from VIPs, National Level Monitors (NLMs) on the panel of this Ministry are deputed to investigate the complaints. If irregularities are established, the concerned State Government is requested to take appropriate action. A Statement showing the State-wise details of the complaints received regarding irregularities or misappropriation of funds in the implementation of the scheme and the action taken thereon is given in the Annexure-II.

(g): All efforts are made to ensure to achieve the target under IAY. Funds are allocated to all States/UTs in the very beginning of the financial year to enable all implementing agencies to start release of funds to IAY beneficiaries immediately.Further regular review meetings such as monthly Coordinating Officers meetings, Quarterly Performance Review Committee Meetings are held to monitor the progress efficiently. Officers also regularly visit various areas to see on-site progress.