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Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh handed over possession of over 8000 small flats(one room) to beneficiaries of Slum Rehabilitation Scheme in Chandigarh on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that this is a big step towards making Chandigarh slum free. Dr. Manmohan Singh further said that considering the gravity of the problem of housing in the urban areas, the Centre has taken upon itself the responsibility of providing housing to the urban poor even though housing is a state subject.
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the Chandigarh Administration and Chandigarh Housing Board in successfully taking up the rehabilitation programme at such a large scale which would benefit around 40,000 persons. He expressed the hope that very soon Chandigarh would attain the distinction of being the first slum-free city in the country.
In his remarks, Shivraj V. Patil Governor of Punjab and UT Chandigarh Administrator said that there has been unanimity among all to make the City Beautiful a slum-free city. In all 25,000 such dwellings have been planned but if need arises, more such small flats would also be built, he said. Patil announced that in the next phase of such dwellings provision will be made for two rooms instead of the present one room dwelling, to meet the demand by various quarters. Adding that UT Administration would provide still more facilities in the newer such complexes, Patil sought additional financial support from the Centre.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, centre has approved construction of around 25,000 flats for rehabilitation of the slum-dwellers in UT Chandigarh. The project is being implemented with central assistance to the tune of Rs. 436.30 crore under the component of Basic Services for the Urban Poor of JNNURM. The Chandigarh Administration is contributing Rs. 585.15 crore towards the balance funding of the project through its budget sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India.
