Excelsior Correspondent
![Minister for Housing Raman Bhalla interacting with residents of Channi Himmat Housing Colony on Tuesday.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/page719-300x195.jpg)
JAMMU, Apr 9: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla today informed that the Government has earmarked Rs 80 lakh for construction of both side deep drains besides up-gradation of link roads at Channi Himmat Housing Colony.
This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the residents after inspecting the ongoing works in the Colony, here today.
Mr. Bhalla asked the Housing Board functionaries to complete the work within stipulated time frame by using quality material. He said there would be no compromise on the quality of the work, adding that Government was committed to create durable assets in the state. He said Government was spending crores of rupees for providing all basic amenities to the people of every area of the State.
The Minister asked the officers to prepare the inventory of Housing Board assets, besides available land across the State, adding that Government was keen to develop new colonies under master plan under self financing schemes. He stressed the need to put the assets of the board to best use and revenue generation.
Mr. Bhalla said development of Housing colonies in urban as well as in rural areas of the State was receiving main focus of the Government. He said the colonies would be developed on modern lines with all basic amenities like safe drinking water, road connectivity, electricity, parking, play field, super bazaar and recreational parks.
The Minister asked for effective implementation of centrally sponsored Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana (RGAY) scheme for rehabilitation of slum dwellers, adding that the scheme aims at to tackle the problem of slums in a definitive manner. He said central and state Governments were committed to improve the living condition of homeless.
Mr. Bhalla said that the Government was committed to evolve a people-friendly administration in the State, adding that several initiatives have been taken in various sectors to facilitate the people.
For facilitating the teacher and students two teacher Bhawans and two air-conditioned auditoriums were being constructed by Housing Board at Jammu and Srinagar. He said the work on both the projects was apace on war-footing and would be completed within stipulated time frame.