Sonia to launch housing proj in Andhra

Guntur (Hyderabad), Sep 1: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will launch the second phase of Integrated Novel Development in Rural Areas and Model Municipal Areas model villages (INDIRAMMA) housing project in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur District today.

Congress President Sonia will also interact with villagers besides addressing a public meeting at Thumuluru village in the district.

Under the first phase of the programme, about 15 lakh houses had been constructed.

About 23 lakh beneficiaries are likely to be selected for the second phase of the programme.

Unique initiatives of INDIRAMMA programme are - it provides housing to rural and urban poor and envisaged constitution of 20 lakh houses, nearing completion.

The success of the INDIRAMMA housing scheme has encouraged the State Government to construct 25.50 lakh more houses in villages and towns.

The Andhra Pradesh State Government is taking up another 14 lakh pensioners under the Pension Scheme. Each of them will receive Rs. 200 per month.

Andhra Pradesh"s success in implementing this programme is a bench mark for the entire country.

During her visit, Sonia is also scheduled to inaugurate 'Rajiv Gruhakalpa Scheme", a housing scheme for the urban middle classes, at Rajahmundry in East Godavari district.

The scheme is aimed to benefit those with annual income less than Rs. 30,000 per annum.

Later, Sonia will proceed to Eluru in West Godavari district where she will meet Women"s Self-Help Groups.

Before leaving for Delhi, she is scheduled to launch "Indira Kranthi Patham", an anti-poverty scheme for urban self-help women groups.

ANI >