Allotment of low-cost flats under JNNURM on the anvil

With the elections over, the much-awaited allotment of low-cost flats constructed here under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for the poor is likely to kick off within the next two months.  

"The allottment of flats will start within the next two months. We are finalising a fool-proof data base of the beneficiaries on merit basis," a senior official from Urban Department told PTI.  

To avoid a repeat of a DDA-like scam, the officials are taking all measures to fill the loopholes, if any, and are minutely checking the antecedents and income of the applicants.  

And the task is not easy given that the department has received 2.78 lakhs applications seeking ownership for the flats.     

At least 8,000 flats are ready for allotment in city's Bawana, Narela, Bhorgarh, Ghoga and Baprola area while another 6-7000 flats will be readied by next two months.        

"We have target to construct 4 lakhs flats for economically weaker sections by 2012. Currently, we have received Rs 1,800 crore under JNNURM to construct 65,000 such flats," the official added.

About the criteria for preparing the data base, the official said the applicants are being segregated under various heads such as urban poor which is further categorised into schedule caste and scheduled tribes.        

"The aim is to give priority to the poorest of poor. The flats will be provided at a cost of Rs 1.50 lakh each on easy installments," the official said, noting that there are over 50 lakh people who don't own a house in Delhi.