Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla today distributed cheques worth Rs. 19 lakh to 19 urban poor families of Jammu city under Basic Services to the Urban Poor Scheme (BSUP).The Financial assistance was given to these families for construction as first installment for re-construction of their depleted houses. Addressing on the occasion, the Minister said that the Government is paying focused attention to uplift underprivileged and deprived sections of the society and special schemes with liberal financial support of Center have been launched to rehabilitate and improve living standards of this stratum of society.“With active support from Central Government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi prestigious urban development projects have been launched in the state and under these projects special provision have been kept to rehabilitate poor people,” said Bhalla.The Minister said that under BSUP scheme Rs. 2.75 lakh in three installments would be provided to deserved families for reconstruction of their existing depleted houses.
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.He said in Jammu, one project at Sunjwan worth Rs 21 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 completed and work on remaining is in full swing.He also highlighted the features of Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) saying that RAY envisage a “Slum Free India” with inclusive and equitable cities in which every citizen has access to basic civic Infrastructure, social amenities and decent shelter. He said the scheme will provide shelter to weaker section of the society. He 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 in each selected slums.Earlier, the Minister also visited Jain Mandir Shri Nageshwar Pasharbnath near Bahu Plaza on the occasion of Murti Sthapana. He congratulated the devotees who gathered in large number from within and outside the State. He exuded confidence that the temple would boost pilgrim tourism in the State.