The Hindu 15.09.2010
State working towards slum-free towns: Minister
Staff Reporter
| Houses to be constructed for slum dwellers under Rajiv Awas Yojana scheme |
Proposals to the tune of Rs. 4,680 crore forwarded to Centre
Twenty five municipalities will be covered under the scheme
SANGAREDDY: Minister for Municipal Administration Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said that the United Progress Alliance (UPA) government at the centre has decided to construct houses for slum dwellers in municipalities in the name of Rajiv Awas Yojana. Under this scheme while the Centre would offer 80 per cent subsidy, the State government will bear 18 per cent of the cost while two per cent has to be borne by the beneficiary.
Speaking to newsmen here on Tuesday, Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy, who was here to inaugurate the newly-constructed municipal building at Medak town, said that proposals to the tune of Rs. 4,680 crore were already sent to the Union Government in this regard. Stating that efforts are on to get funds from the Centre, he said that the State stood first in getting funds from the government but in fourth place in utilising them. Twenty five municipalities and towns would be covered under this scheme in the next five years, he added.
The Minister said that the UPA government has decided to make the towns as no-slum areas and an amount of Rs. 1.25 lakh core would be spent for this purpose. Stating that basic amenities like drinking water, drainage and power supply were being taken up in municipalities, he said that while works was taken up in 98 municipalities it was completed in 85 municipalities. In the remaining municipalities the work would be completed by March, 2011. Asked about Telangana issue, Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy said that it is an emotional issue and the Central government had appointed Srikrishna Committee.
“Sonia's decision final”
“We will abide by the decision taken by Sonia Gandhi. Her decision is final,” he said.
Incharge Minister D.K. Aruna, and Minor Irrigation Minister V. Sunitha Laksmha Reddy were also present.
