Hooda clarifies on free plot scheme for SCs

Chandigarh, Jan 3 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today made it clear that inclusion of name in BPL list was not necessary for Scheduled Castes (SC) families to get free plots.

''The criteria to allot residential plots of 100 sq yards free of cost to SC families has nothing to do with the lists of families living below the poverty line (BPL) being finalised. These were two separate issues,'' he said.

The Chief Minister, who held a meeting with senior officers here today to review the progress of work to allot residential plots of 100 sq yards to SCs familes, said that those SCs who might not figure in the list of BPL families but fulfilled other conditions, would be entitled to get such plots.

Mr Hooda instructed the concerned officers that the process to allot plots be speeded up and those found derelicting in their duties would be dealt with sternly.

He said the state government was concerned about the welfare of members belonging to SCs. Therefore, he had announced to allot residential plots of 100 sq yards to them with a view to providing them their own shelter.

He said a Rs 400 crore scheme would be implemented to provide basic amenities like supply of electricity, drinking water, pucca streets in the areas where these plots would be allotted.

The Chief Minister said the state government was already implementing a number of schemes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes so as to enhance their socio-economic status.

UNI MA MMS1947