December 02, 2001

VALMIKI AMBEDKAR AWAS YOJANA LAUNCHED TODAY

        The Prime Minister Shri Attal Bihari Vajpayee launched today here the Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana, a unique subsidy cum loan based housing scheme for urban poor. Speaking on the occasion the Prime Minister said that every year Rs.2,000 crore will be allocated to construct 4 lakh houses for urban poor and slum dwellers under the scheme. The scheme will benefit the people who are below the poverty line and who belong to economically weaker sections of society.

        The Prime Minister also laid foundation stones for Musi River Conservation Project, Financial District Scheme, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Headquarters and distributed benefits under Deepam (Gas Stove Distribution Programme) and DWCUA (Development of Women and Children in Urban Areas) schemes. Referring to the PWG violence in the state the Prime Minister said that some misguided forces are under the impression that new social order can be created through violence and at gunpoint. Violence does not yield any peace but creates more problems. People should live peacefully and their lives and property should be protected. In order to ensure lasting peace in the country the Centre mooted the POTO Bill, which enables the government to take stern action against the forces, which are trying to destabilise the country. Shri Vajpayee appealed to all sections of the country to strengthen the hands of the government by extending full support to the bill forgetting their social, religious and political differences. The Prime Minister reiterated the government's resolve to go ahead with the Bill with the soul aim of providing perpetual peace for the people to lead a secure life. He assured that the provisions of the POTO will not be misused.

        Referring to the progress of the country in various fields Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee said that shortage of housing, power and other infrastructural facilities should be removed by hastening the development. He said that there is no dearth of schemes as well as money but delay is taking place while implementing the schemes, which should be avoided. He said that the Central Government is stable and strong and the Centre wants that the States also should be strong. In the present world scenario India commands a respectable position and its voice is heard at various
international forums. He appealed to the people to be united to develop the states and the nation in various fields.

        Earlier Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri N. Chandra Babu Naidu said that 5000 houses will be constructed in the slum areas of Hyderabad under the Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana. The Musi River Conservation Project will help cleanse the polluted water of the river Musi. Water of the river Krishna will be brought from Nagarjuna Sagar to Hyderabad and supplied for drinking purpose to the people of the twin cities at a total expenditure of about Rs.850 crores.

        Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister for Rural Development said that the Centre is determined to connect all villages with pucca roads in the next seven years. The Rural Development Ministry has issued for the first time Kisan Credit Cards and Insurance coverage to the rural people, he said. Shri Anantha Kumar, Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Poverty Alleviation said that HUDCO has provided financial assistance to the state government for the supply of protected drinking water in 21 towns in the state. Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Union Minister of State for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, in his welcome address said that the Centre is not compromising on any issue relating to the development of the country.

        Several Ministers of Andhra Pradesh government including Shri N.M.Farooq, Minister for Municipal Administration & Urabn Development and Wakf and Urdu Academy, Shri P. Rama subbareddy, Minister for Housing also were present on the occasion.