The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : House to suit one’s taste

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Friday, Feb 13, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

House to suit one’s taste

Syed Muthahar Saqaf

The beneficiary is free to choose his design, conforming to his
taste and need

— Photo: R.M. Rajarathinam

UNIQUE CONCEPT: A house built under the scheme in Manapparai.

MANAPPARAI: The implementation of the ‘Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme,’ a Government of India scheme, in Manapparai Municipal limits has brought about a sea-change in the lifestyle of slum dwellers.

The scheme envisaged construction of 120 houses in 19 slums in the town on an outlay of Rs. 96 lakh. Each house is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 80,000. While 80 per cent of the project cost has been sanctioned by the Centre, the State government provides 10 per cent. The beneficiary has to pump in just the rest 10 per cent.

The uniqueness of the scheme is that the beneficiary is free to choose his design, conforming to his taste and need. A little amount of freedom for the beneficiaries has gone a long way in ensuring quality and also speedy execution of the project.

The grant is being released to the beneficiaries in four instalments of Rs.18,000 each at different stages, ensuring proper progress in the construction activity.

The project is being implemented in slums, including Manjampatti, Theerampatti, Nochimedu, Viduthalampatti, Pomalapatti etc.

The speed at which the demand-driven project is being implemented with a sense of commitment can be gauged from the fact that the work on the construction of about 65 houses had already been completed. The work on the rest of the houses is in full swing and would be completed by March-end, Commissioner of the Manapparai Municipality Arunachalam told The Hindu on Thursday.

Special sanction

What is yet another boon to the residents is a special sanction of Rs. One crore for the provision of infrastructure to these slum areas. Here again, the Centre contributes Rs. 80 lakh while the State government and the Manapparai Municipality contribute Rs. 10 lakh each.

Basic facilities such as roads, drainage, supply of potable water and streetlights are being provided in the 19 slums.

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