Punjab govt to have new housing policy for low cost houses

Chandigarh, Sep 2 (UNI) Realising the need to launch a drive in the housing sector for the economically poor, the Punjab government would soon formulate a new policy for the construction of low cost houses in the urban and rural areas.

A decision to this effect was taken by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over the 87th meeting of PEPSU-Township Development Board here today.

Mr Badal directed the Housing and Urban Development Department and Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) to conduct a detailed study based on the various models adopted by other states in this regard. He further added that the new policy should aim to provide maximum benefit to the needy with minimum utilization of resources.

Emphasizing the need to provide better houses to the people living in the slum areas in the urban and rural areas, Mr Badal said that two different uniform patterns equipped with basic amenities would be adopted for rural and urban areas through out the state.

While discussing the detailed pattern prepared by the Punjab Town Planning Department for Rajpura Town, he asked the Local Government Department to seek funds from the Central Government's scheme for the provision of potable drinking water and sewerage facilities in Rajpura besides the installation of sewage treatment plant. The meeting approved the setting up of the Mini- Secretariat at Rajpura.

Regarding the setting up of a stadium at Rajpura, Mr Badal directed the sports department to get this project approved from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala to ensure that the upcoming stadium was well equipped with basic infrastructure at par with international standards.

The Board also discussed the ways and means to rehabilitate as many as 645 families settled in slum area in Rajpura by providing them two room dwelling units as an alternative.

UNI