SHRI O.RAJAGOPAL TAKES OVER AS MINISTER OF STATE IN URBAN DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY

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Shri O. Rajagopal took over as Minister of State in the Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, here today. Speaking to media persons after taking over as Minister of State in the Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, Shri Rajagopal emphasized the need for initiating urban infrastructure reforms not only in metropolitan cities including Delhi, but also in a large number of small and medium towns all over the country.

The Minister further stated that as part of Government’s initiative to provide ‘housing for all’, a new housing scheme Valmiki – Ambedkar Awas Yojana (VAMBAY) was launched by the Prime Minister recently, with the objective of providing shelter or upgrading the existing shelter for people living below the poverty line in urban slums. Project proposals under VAMBAY worth Rs. 73.56 crores were approved during 2001-2002 and central subsidy released to 16 States and Union Territories. During the current financial years, central subsidy to the tune of Rs. 17.83 crores has already been sanctioned to 9 States and Union Territories. VAMBAY also has a component known as "Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan" to provide basic amenities such as sanitation and community toilets to slum dwellers.

A Member of Rajya Sabha since June 1992, Shri Rajagopal was earlier Minister of State in the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs, Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of State in the Minister of Railways.