Delhi govt to build multi-storeyed houses for slum dwellers

New Delhi, April 28 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today announced that the state Government would rehabilitate the poor people living in JJ clusters by constructing multi-storeyed houses for them.

Launching a new initiative 'Sanjha Prayas', under the 'Bhagidari' Scheme to provide a hygienic atmosphere in slum clusters of Delhi, Ms Dikshit said a new Plan Scheme named "Financial Assistance to Multi-purpose Cooperative Societies,'' for constructing multi-storeyed houses for slum dwellers, had been launched.

Speaking at the valedictory session of a two-day workshop on *'Sanjha Prayas' at Sri Satya Sai International, Ms Dikshit said four cooperative societies of slum dwellers had been registered for taking up housing projects and other activities.

100 acres of land has been identified in North-West District for allotment to these societies. Four storeyed blocks of flats will be constructed by these Societies for their members with financial as well as managerial support from the Government and NGOs.

Delhi Government has decided to avail the financial support from the Centre under the JNNURM for construction works of more than 26,000 flats on selected sites for which detailed project reports (DPRs) have been prepared by the DSIIDC, the DDA and the Slum Wing of the MCD.

Ms Dikshit said the Delhi Government had created a special Development Fund of more than Rs 2800 crore for unauthorised colonies to provide all civic amenities like roads, drains, water supply, sewerage, parks, community centers, health and educational infrastructure, among others.

A Board for development works in unauthorised colonies which have been regularised is being set up to monitor the progress of schemes so that all civic services may be provided in a targeted manner in these colonies.

On a demand from residents of J J clusters to decrease the power tariff for these Clusters, the Chief Minister said Delhi Government would consider their demand as soon as possible.

Development Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, who was also present on the occasion, announced that APL cardholder residing in JJ clusters, resettlement colonies would get more wheat and rice very soon.

It would be increased from 10 kg to 25 kg and 5 kg to 10 kg wheat and rice respectively. He also informed that a decision to re-open the process of issuing ration cards would be decided in the Cabinet meeting.

20 slum JJ Clusters from Shahdara, Seemapuri and Patparganj of East and North-East Delhi participated in this workshop.

Also present on the occasion were East Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit, MLA Vir Singh Dhingan, Chief Secretary Ramesh Narayanswami, Pr. Secretary (Power), senior officials from BSES, DJB and Slum Department of the MCD.

UNI