54 lakh houses for poor in AP: YSR

Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, Apr 20 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said his government would facilitate construction of 54 lakh houses for the poor in three years.

Taking part in the ''Prajapatham'' programme at Chinnaarikapala Village in Prakasam district, Dr Reddy said 18 lakh houses would be constructed this year.

As instructed by AICC President Sonia Gandhi, the state government will strive for uplift of the weaker sections and fulfill their basic needs, including roads and water under the INDIRAMMA scheme in three years.

Enhanced pension of Rs 200 would be provided to all the old, widows and physically challenged people, he added.

The women's Self Helf Groups would be provided Rs 3,000 crore loans at a low interest of three per cent this year under the 'Pavala Vaddi' scheme, he said adding in the villages covered under the INDIRAMMA scheme every household would be provided a sheep, bufallo and tailoring machines to augment the family income.

The government would call for tenders for the second tunnel under the 'Velugonda' Scheme within a month, he informed.

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