Maya introduces Kanshiram housing scheme for urban poors

Lucknow, June 3 (UNI) After being rejected by urban local bodies, Uttar Pradesh government has rechristened its ambitious Manyawar Kanshiramji Urban Intregrated Development programme to Manyawar Kanshiramji Urban Poor Housing Scheme.

On the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the BSP government's coming to power for the first time in UP on June 3, 1995, Ms Mayawati said five lakh, two room sets with all basic facilities, would be provided to the urban poor, including the Sarva Samaj, widows, handicapped in three phases in the next five years.

Addressing a press conference here, Ms Mayawati also announced to release about 2,500 prisoners for their good character, health and age on the occasion. The government has also decided to give legal assistance to undertrial prisoners on humanitarian grounds.

The CM admitted that the government had to change the urban intregrated development scheme to housing scheme as it was not properly supported by the local bodies due to ''political'' reasons.

In the current financial year, one lakh housing units would be provided in all 71 district headquarters. Small districts will get 1,000 housing units, while the bigger would get 1,500 housing units.

In the second phase, starting from next financial year, all the Nagar Palikas would be covered in the scheme with a target to provide 2 lakh housing units in next two years.

In the third and final phase, all Nagar panchayats would be given two lakh housing units in two years.

The CM said the funds sactioned through budget for the Kanshiramji urban intregrated development scheme would automatically be shifted to the housing scheme. However, while alloting the housing units, the schedule caste and schedule tribes would be given priority, she added.

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