The Hindu         20.01.2011

Housing scheme to be extended to urban areas

Plans are afoot to extend the Kalaignar Housing Scheme to urban areas, according to K. Ponmudy, Higher Education Minister.

He was speaking at a function held here on Wednesday to give away 2,222 free colour television sets to residents in ward numbers 22 and 23. Mr .Ponmudy said that the housing scheme would pave the way for creating a State without huts.

An opinion was expressed that monetary grant of Rs.75,000 being given for converting each hut into a concrete house was not sufficient.

If more money was needed, the government would recommend the cases to the banks for sanctioning loan up to Rs. 20,000 at 4 per cent interest.

The Minister further said that the government was supplying cement at a subsidised rate of Rs.200 a bag and iron rods and sand at controlled prices. The Minister said that the free colour television sets had helped even illiterates to follow government schemes.

He said that despite the soaring prices of essential commodities and bullions, the government was supplying rice at Re.1 a kg through fair price shops at a time when one rupee note was out of circulation.

Collector R. Palanisamy and municipal chairman R. Janakaraj were present.

Ponmudy says the scheme would pave the way for creating a State without huts.