Non-UPA states lead in housing scheme

While the scheme is yet to take off in a big way,it turns out that non-UPA ruled states have stolen the show in the initial run.

Under RAY,cities have to prepare slum-free action plans and submit proposals for redevelopment. Even as it works out the final modalities for the ambitious scheme,the Union government had sought proposals for pilot projects that could be taken up in mega cities. Upon approval of a scheme,the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation provides financial assistance to the project.

So far,the Centre has approved 55 projects spread over 48 cities in the country. These are collectively worth Rs 2,479 crore.

While some high profile Congress-led states like Delhi and Maharashtra are yet to open their account,the SP-led Uttar Pradesh has managed to share the top slot with Congress-led

Rajasthan,with eight projects approved so far.

Two other BJP ruled states — Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh — have bagged six and four projects,respectively. The BJD-led Orissa has got three projects sanctioned,whereas Punjab (SAD-BJP),Tamil Nadu (AIADMK) and Gujarat (BJP) have got sanctions for two projects each under RAY.

Besides Rajasthan,Haryana and Andhra Pradesh (both Congress,four projects) and Karnataka (three projects) are among the top 11.

Senior officials further pointed out that approvals for all projects in Karnataka had come before May,2013,when the BJP was still in power in the state.

A senior housing department official from Maharashtra confirmed that the state was yet to submit any proposal under RAY.

Meanwhile,the Centre has plans to unveil revised guidelines for RAY,which will now be implemented till 2022. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to soon announce the final model.

Sandeep Ashar