The Union government has released an amount of Rs 265 crore for construction of low- cost houses for the poor in Delhi. In all Rs 1,500 crore will be made available for this purpose. Delhi government, DSIIDC and Union government for giving shape to Rajiv Ratna Awas Yojana. Delhi would become a slum-free city before commencement of Commonwealth Games 2010.
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi laid the foundation stone of 50,000 low-cost houses under Rajiv Ratna Awas Yojana, at Bawana, which is a unique and an ambitious project and would provide roof to large number of poor families in the Capital city. The similar houses would come up in another 11 localities.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said that the city government has now taken a big step under Rajiv Ratna Awas Yojana to overcome shortage of housing facilities in Delhi. It has been decided to construct one lakh low-cost houses with a new technology which can construct thousands of dwelling units within shortest period of six months whereas traditional techniques take time of 18 months.
Dikshit added that low-cost houses with plinth area from 25 to 30 sq. meter in four storeyed complex would cost around Rs.2 lakh. The units would have two rooms, one bathroom and one kitchen. Each allottee would be entitled for grant of Rs 1 lakh under JNNURM and the rest of the money would be arranged through banks. They will be offered easy loan at lowest rate of interest. The amount would be refundable in time duration of 15 to 25 years with monthly installment between Rs 800 and Rs1,000 which would be somewhat equal to monthly rent.
The complex of low-cost houses would have parks, schools, shops, community centres, round-the-clock water, electricity and public transport system at the doorstep. The residents would have ample opportunities of employment as the world's largest industrial Bawana estate would be at a stone throw distance. The government would intensify its efforts to link the localities with Delhi Metro.