Question : CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES FOR THE POOR

(a) whether the Government proposes to construct 60 lakh houses for homeless poor by 2008-09;

(b) if so, the State-wise details of the houses proposed to be built;

(c) whether any demand from the States has been received by the Government;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon;

(e) whether the Government is contemplating to formulate a policy for homeless people in coordination with the State Governments; and

(f) if so, the progress made in this regard ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SURYAKANTA PATIL)

(a) & (b ): Yes Sir, under `Bharat Nirman` Programme, 60 lakh houses are envisaged to be constructed for rural BPL households in a period of four years from 2005-06 to 2008- 09. This programme is being implemented through Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY). State- wise targets are fixed on year to year basis depending on the budgetary allocation. A Statement showing State-wise physical targets fixed under IAY and the houses constructed from 2005-06 to 2007-08 so far, is at Annexure.

(c) & (d): Indira Awaas Yojana is an ongoing allocation-based Scheme. State-wise physical targets are fixed based on the housing shortage in rural areas and the poverty ratio of the State. The housing shortage as intimated by the Office of Registrar General of India based on 2001 Census, is taken into account. No proposal is required from the State Governments in this regard.

(e) & (f): A Draft Rural Housing Policy has been prepared and circulated to the State Governments for their comments.