New Delhi, Nov 11: Union Urban Development Ministry has agreed to raise the central subsidy from 50 per cent to 75 per cent for the implementation of Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana (Vambay), a housing scheme for slum dwellers in urban areas. Briefing reporters after a meeting of the consultative committee attached to his ministry, Urban Development Minister Bandaru Dattatraya said today that for north eastern states, the ministry agreed to increase the subsidy to 90 per cent.
He said a state housing ministers' conference had recently recommended the hike and members of the consultative committee too felt the same way.
"Therefore, the ministry has agreed to raise the quantum of subsidy," he said. The proposal would now be sent to the cabinet for final approval.
While reviewing the scheme, members suggested that vigilance and monitoring committees be set up at the state level to ensure proper implementation, the minister said.
Dattatraya informed the meeting that since the inception of the scheme in 2001, the Centre had given a subsidy of Rs 465.26 crore to the states for construction and upgradation of 2,13,066 dwelling units and 28,753 toilet seats.
The minister asked the members to impress upon the state governments to send their project proposals so as to address the housing and sanitation needs of the urban poor.
He also said a meeting of state housing ministers would be held in December to discuss the urban reforms agenda, particularly the urban reforms incentive fund and the city challenge fund. Bureau Report