Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 25: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla today distributed cheques worth Rs 16 lakh among the beneficiaries at Nai Basti, Bahu Fort and Channi Himmat under the Basic Services Urban Poor (BSUP) scheme.
Joint Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation Kapil Sharma was also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering after distributing the cheques among the beneficiaries, Mr. Bhalla said Government has launched various schemes to uplift the socio-economic status of the poor across the State. He said each beneficiary will be provided financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh and seventy five thousand in three instalments.
The Minister said focused attention is being paid to uplift underprivileged and deprived sections of the society and special schemes have been launched to rehabilitate and improve living standards of underprivileged sections of the society. He said for this purpose, Central Government has provided liberal funding to upgrade the basties of the poor under Rajiv Awas Yojna and BSUP scheme.
Giving details of other projects taken up under BSUP scheme, Bhalla said that under prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) special attention is being paid to rehabilitate urban poor, adding that under the scheme various projects have been undertaken in urban centers of the State.
The Minister said in Jammu, one project at Sunjwan worth Rs 19 crore is underway, for shifting Urban Poor of Rajiv Nagar residents. He said the projects once completed would have 326 dwelling units, adding that 21 blocks having 64 dwelling units have already been completed and work on remaining is in full swing.
The Minister further said that RAY is to be implemented in a mission mode and will provide financial support through J&K Housing Board for providing housing and improvement of basic civic infrastructure and social amenities. Later, Mr. Bhalla also visited Nai Basti W No. 23 and kick started various developmental works, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 10 lakh. He asked JMC to use quality material on development works and complete these within stipulated time frame.