Draft policy on urban housing reaches CMO

The focus is on slum rehabilitation and providing housing units to people belonging to economically weaker section (EWS) and lower-income group (LIG),along with middle income group-1.

In the run-up to the 2012 Assembly polls,the BJP had announced the Mukhya Mantri Awas Samrudhi Yojana and promised to construct 50 lakh houses in the state in five years,of which 22 lakh units were planned in urban areas while the rest would be in rural areas.

The scheme was announced in the wake of Congress’s similar scheme of Ghar Nu Ghar (own house) for women,which generated tremendous response.

“Final draft was submitted to the CMO on Monday. The policy is likely to be announced very soon,” said a top official from the urban development department,adding that some changes were likely in the draft.

According to sources,of the 22 lakh units planned in the first phase,around 7 lakh will be constructed under slum rehabilitation policy,which entails construction of unit at the same place where a slum is located with the help of private builders or local civic body. The rest 15 lakh units will be built under three categories – EWS,LIG and MIG-1.

EWS units are likely to have 25 sqm of carpet area each and will cost under Rs 3.5 lakh. LIG units will have 50 sqm of carpet area and cost Rs 2,000 per sqm. MIG-1 units will have 65 sqm of carpet area and cost Rs 2,500 per sqm.