(a) whether the Government have finalized a programme to convert Kutcha houses to Pucca houses by the year 2007;
(b) if so, whether any estimate has been done of the number of such houses;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the funds spent and achievements made under the scheme so far?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b) to (d): According to 1991 Census, the total rural housing shortage was 137.2 lakh in rural areas; out of which about 103.1 lakh unserviceable kutcha houses required conversion into pucca houses. With effect from 1st April, 1999, 20% of the Indira Awaas Yojana allocation is earmarked for conversion of unserviceable kutcha houses into pucca/semi pucca houses. A maximum assistance of Rs. 10,000/- per unit is provided for this purpose. As per reports received from States/UTs, about 5.6 lakh kutcha houses have been converted into pucca/semi-pucca and an expenditure of Rs.747.87 crores has been incurred so far.