The Centre is not receiving many proposals for programmes benefiting urban poor under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, JNNURM Mission Director P K Mohanty, said on Friday.
Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day national seminar on JNNURM organised by CIVIC Bangalore and Indian Habitat Forum, in Bangalore, Mr Mohanty said as per the schedule he has to clear projects worth Rs 2,000 crore in the present financial year, benefiting the urban poor. But so far he has not received proposals of projects worth even Rs 500 crore.
He said several projects were not cleared as they lack basic requirements. “Many municipal bodies sent proposals even before acquiring sufficient land to take up projects. In several cases identification of beneficiaries was not done properly,” he said.
In an open debate followed by his presentation representatives of Slum Dwellers Welfare Association raised objections to identifying beneficiaries for housing scheme for the urban poor through bio-metric enumeration. They demanded to know why the government cannot introduce bio-metric enumeration for upper middle class and rich people also.
Mr Mohanty defended that bio-metric enumeration is to ensure that the needy get the due benefits. However, he said “Bio-metric enumeration is not a mandatory reform. The Centre has recommended it for proper identification of beneficiaries. If the State government wishes it can do away with this system.
Funds released
Later, speaking to press persons, Mr Mohanty said that the Centre has released funds for projects taken by BBMP. However he did not mention how much funds has been released.
Mr Mohanty expressed satisfaction over project proposals from Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike. “BBMP is doing good. Unlike metropolitan cities number of slums in Bangalore city is very less. The Palike is coming up with a proposal of a project worth Rs 220 crore benefiting the urban poor. I hope that project will be cleared in the coming meeting”, he said.