Centre considering asking DSIIDC to build Low Cost Housing in Delh

New Delhi, Nov 23 (UNI) The Centre is considering giving the work of constructing Low Cost Housing in the national capital to Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corp in view of the good job it has done, Delhi Industries Minister M R Singhal said.

The Centre is considering this after appreciating the housing project for industrial labour build by DSIIDC in Bawana area of North Delhi. The project had won accolades and various awards, including the 'Awas Ratna Award'.

More than 3,000 such dwellings were made available for workers in Bawana Industrial Estate and foundation was laid for over 4,000 more.

The cost of the dwellings had also been kept low - Rs 1.7 lakh for ones measuring 25 sq m and Rs 1.95 lakh for ones measuring 35 sq m.

Earlier only Delhi Development Authority undertook the job of contructing such houses.

Speaking at DSIIDC's reunion function here late last night, Mr Singhal said the corporation planned to set up about 40,000 such units in the next two years.

DSIIDC's expertise was now not only acknowledged in the country but also abroad as there were demands from some African countries to for similar housing in those countries.

The minister also said the corporation had put aside a fund of Rs 35 crore for upkeep and maintenance of industrial estates in the city. However, the amount could be used only if the Municipal Corporation of Delhi handed over their control to it.

Mr Singhal also said that DSIIDC, which aimed to make available 20,000 plots for setting up industries, could construct commercial plots for those affected by the current sealing drive in Delhi.

Delhi Chief Secretary R Narayanaswami and former Chief Secretary Omesh Sehgal, besides DSII IDC Chairman V V Bhat and Managing Director Jalaj Shrivastava were prominent among those present at the occasion.

UNI IP PA KN1533