PM assesses preparations towards “Housing For All”

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
11-June, 2015 14:27 IST
PM assesses preparations towards “Housing For All”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today called for a holistic approach towards meeting the target of “Housing for All.”

Chairing a high-level meeting to assess the work done so far, both in the rural and the urban areas, the Prime Minister stressed on the need for all concerned official agencies to adopt a flexible approach, which takes into account local conditions such as building material, habits and lifestyles. “A tribal may prefer a house made from traditional local materials rather than bricks and mortar; and therefore, should be facilitated accordingly,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that in rural areas, the goal should be achieved “village-by-village,” so that the progress is tangible, and can be monitored effectively. He said all common facilities, and required connectivity should also be conceived and delivered, along with housing – so that we move towards the concept of “samasya-mukt gram,” (problem-free village).

For urban areas, Shri Narendra Modi suggested that urban solid waste can be used to make bricks, which would be useful as building material. He said all newly-constructed houses should take into account the required norms in disaster-prone areas.

Minister for Urban Development Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Rural Development Shri Chaudhary Birender Singh, and senior officers from the Ministries of HUPA, Rural Development, NITI Aayog and PMO were present.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
25-June, 2015 12:24 IST
PM's remarks at the launch of AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission and Housing for All (Urban)


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today said that for the first time in the country, the people, and the urban leadership would play the pivotal role in deciding the future course of their cities. He was speaking at the launch of three major urban development initiatives: AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation); Smart Cities Mission; and Housing for All (Urban), at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister explained that for the first time in India, a challenge was being floated, in which the citizens of urban India could contribute in the formulation of development visions of their cities. Those cities which were able to competitively meet the required parameters would be developed as smart cities. Hence, the Prime Minister said, this competitive mechanism would end the top-down approach, and lead to people-centric urban development.

The Prime Minister said these urban development schemes were not prepared by the Government alone, but involved perhaps the biggest consultation exercise ever taken by the Union Government, involving all stakeholders and examining global best practices. The Prime Minister gave a simple vision of a smart city, as one which was a step or two ahead of people's aspirations. Technology, transportation, energy efficiency, walk-to-work, cycling etc were some elements mentioned by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said the Government is sensitive to consumer protection, and towards ending undue harassment, especially with regard to housing. He said one Bill towards this end has already been introduced in Parliament.

Stating that public representatives and leaders are remembered by the good work they did in their terms, the Prime Minister urged urban leaders to contribute to doing something for the good of the people. He said the people assembled in Vigyan Bhawan today, had on them the collective responsibility for better quality of life for 40 percent of India's population that either lived in cities, or were dependent on cities for their livelihood. He said the aspirations of migrants from rural areas, and slum dwellers, have to be balanced with the changing global environment. He said ensuring a good life for them is our responsibility. In this context, this 2-day workshop presented a good opportunity to work out strategies for the future.

Recalling the Emergency, which was imposed 40 years ago on this day, the Prime Minister said the dreams and aspirations that inspired people to struggle against the emergency, should be a beacon for this gathering. He said all schemes for urban development should move forward based on people's participation.

The Prime Minister said that urbanization should be viewed as an opportunity, and urban centres should be viewed as growth engines. He said if this had been done 25-30 years ago, it would have led to good results today, but better late than never. He said schemes which had a clear vision and were people-centric, were the need of the hour. He called for replication of best practices from across the country. In particular, the Prime Minister mentioned Hyderabad's tax collection system, Karnataka's efforts for solid waste management, and Chhattisgarh's work to eliminate open defecation.

Mentioning the challenge of rising population, he said all possible avenues should be explored to find the resources for urban development.

The Prime Minister said a House was a turning point in the lives of poor, which led towards a better life. He said the Government's effort was to not just provide a house, but to provide the right environment to live life to the fullest.

Citing the existing housing shortage of 2 crore units, the Prime Minister said that India was completing 75 years of independence in 2022, and by then, it was our responsibility to provide a house for everyone.

The Prime Minister said today there is a lack of holistic vision about urban planning, and expansion is driven not by the administrators of a city, but by property developers. Through AMRUT, the aim of the Government is to give cities themselves the chance to plan their future growth.

The Prime Minister appreciated people for their interest and work in the Swachh Bharat initiative, as well as the positive role played by media in generating awareness.

The Prime Minister said urban and rural development in our country should be complimentary. One way of doing this was to ensure waste water management in urban areas, so that the treated water could be returned to rural areas for irrigation. Similarly solid waste management could generate compost which could act as organic fertiliser for the surrounding rural areas.

The Prime Minister released logos, and taglines for AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission; and guidelines for AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission and Housing for All (Urban). The Prime Minister also visited an exhibition on best practices in urban development.

The Minister for Urban Development Shri Venkaiah Naidu, and the Minister of State for Urban Development Shri Babul Supriyo, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Nirmal Kumar Singh were present on the occasion.

***

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi being received by the Minister of State for Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Shri Babul Supriyo, on his arrival at launching ceremony of the Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Housing for All Mission, in New Delhi on June 25, 2015.

 

[Hindustani78]

The initiative to build 100 smart cities across the country is a "decisive step" and will create a significant multiplier effect for over 250 core and ancillary sectors including infrastructure, logistics and modern retail, Assocham President Rana Kapoor said.

"Sectors like housing, transport, sanitation and power supply will require significant investment. An increase in infrastructure investment equivalent to 1 per cent of GDP can create an additional 34 lakh jobs," he added.

Modi launched three urban development schemes, saying urbanisation should be viewed as an opportunity and urban centres should be seen as growth engines.

While 500 cities will be developed under AMRUT scheme, there would be 100 smart cities over five years and Housing for All aims at construction of two crore houses in urban areas in the next seven years, Modi said.

Chandan Chowdhury, India Managing Director of Dassault Systemes, said if urban growth is unchecked and unplanned, it could lead to massive energy and water consumption and wastage, and growing carbon emissions.

Key challenges that urban areas face include increasing transport demands, depleted ground water resources and poor disaster management planning, he added.
KPMG India Partner, Infrastructure and Government services, Jaijit Bhattacharya said the process of building urban infrastructure would lead to an explosive growth in the economy.

"The execution of the vision would entail large scale consumption of cement, metals, plastics, materials and services. It would also lead to innovations and creation of spin-off technologies that would surely make India a global player in building future cities," he added.

Siemens MD and CEO Sunil Mathur said cities need to be able to provide their inhabitants with the highest standard of living while ensuring sustained protection of the environment.
He added: "Smart cities are a result of intelligently addressing and integrating four core pillars for sustainable urban transformation: integrated and multimodal mobility, reliable power, secure and smart buildings, and clean environment."

Technology holds the answer to many urban challenges as it can help make better use of existing infrastructure, he said.

CII President Sumit Mazumder said: "Industry is very optimistic and sincerely hopes that isolated successful urban initiatives across the country would now be scaled up to the national level through these dedicated missions and innovative solutions like providing interest subvention up to 6.5 per cent on loans to EWS (economically weaker sections) for affordable housing."

PTI

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance
31-October, 2015 18:13 IST
Real Estate sector should survive on market economy and not on subsidies –Jaitley “Easy availability of land crucial for realising the dream of affordable housing”

The Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said that the real estate sector has huge potential for growth and hoped that the period of slow down would end soon.


Delivering the key-note address at the CREDAI-BANKCON 2015 on Role of Banking and Finance in Real Estate Development in Mumbai today, Mr Jaitley said the sector will be the next big mover as far as the Indian economy is concerned, but added that the industry must survive on market economy and subsidies should not be the essence of survival.


The Finance Minister said the Government was committed to housing for all – a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and would adopt positive approach. He said easier availability of land was crucial to realising the dream of affordable housing. "It is not cheaper availability of land - it is easier availability. If we complicate procedures too much, then we will be preventing people from acquiring affordable homes” he added.


The Finance Minister emphasised on the need of more townships, sub-urban townships and smart cities to lead the economic development of India.


About the taxation proposals made by CREDAI, the Finance Minister suggested the Real Estate body to make a presentation before the newly appointed committee reviewing the Income Tax Act.


The Finance Minister said the inflation had been brought under control and the Reserve Bank had also reduced interest rates four times this year, and these measures would impact the real estate sector positively. The Minister added that recapitalization of public sector banks would give more strength and muscle for the banking sector to lend.


Speaking about the macro-economic issues the Finance Minister said, “India as a country has become more aspirational and the constituency which supports growth has become bigger. Populist slogans of 60s and 70s, which were essentially obstructionist in nature have lost their relevance”.


Mr. Jaitley said the newest norm in the world was volatility and turmoil. “It is a challenge for India, where as we remain globally integrated, our systematic firewalls have to be such that our ability to resist volatility and turmoil is strengthened”, he added.


Speaking at the conference Chief Minister of Maharashtra Mr. Devendra Fadnavis said that his government remained committed to reforms. He assured that total transparency would be ensured by creating e-platform to provide a hassle free business environment . Mr. Fadnavis appealed to the real estate sector to bridge the gap between demand and supply by changing the focus from premium housing to affordable housing.


Office bearers and members of CREDAI, Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry and leading real estate developers were present at the conference


About CREDAI

Established in 1999, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) brings together more than 11,500 Real Estate Developers from 156 city chapters across 23 states of India. As the apex body for private sector developers, CREDAI has been working to make the real estate industry more organized and progressive.

 

[Godman]

See some nice construction projects coming up in India

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation28-October, 2016 14:12 IST
84,460 more affordable houses for urban poor sanctioned for five States

Total investment of Rs.3,073 cr; Central assistance of Rs.1,256 cr

West Bengal gets 47,379 more, Punjab-15,209, Jharkhand-12,814, Kerala-5,968, Manipur-3,090

Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has approved construction of 84,460 more affordable houses for urban poor under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(Urban) in five States with a total investment of Rs.3,073 cr for which Central Assistance of Rs.1,256 cr has been approved.

To be built under the ‘Beneficiary Led Construction’ component of PMAY (Urban), West Bengal has been sanctioned 47,379 houses with an investment of Rs.1,918 cr for which Central Assistance of Rs.711 cr has been approved.

Punjab got 15,209 houses sanctioned with an investment of Rs.424 cr and Central Assistance of Rs. 217 cr.

Jharkhand has been sanctioned 12,814 houses at a total cost of Rs.464 cr with Central Assistance of Rs.192 cr.

Kerala got 5,968 houses with an investment of Rs.179 cr for which Central Assistance of Rs.89 cr has been approved.

Manipur, for the first time has got 3,090 houses approved for construction with a total investment of Rs.88 cr with Central Assistance of Rs.46 cr.

Under the ‘Beneficiary Led Construction’ component of PMAY (Urban), each eligible beneficiary belonging to Economically Weaker Sections is provided Central Assistance of Rs.1.50 lakh for expansion/upgradation of existing house as per the Guidelines.

With these approvals, the details of affordable houses approved for the benefit of urban poor in these five States, under the four different components of PMAY (Urban) so far are:

State - Total houses approved - Total investment involved (Rs. Cr) - Total Central Assistance so far approved (Rs. Cr)
West Bengal - 1,22,259 - 4,946 - 1,834
Jharkhand - 52,986 - 1,919 - 795
Punjab - 26,563 - 745 - 369
Kerala - 15,267 - 442 - 220
Manipur - 3,090 - 88 - 46


With these latest approvals, a total of 10,95,804 affordable houses have been approved during the last one year under PMAY (Urban) with a total investment of Rs. 62,740 cr for which Central Assistance of Rs.16,289 cr has been approved.

AAR/KM/October 28,2016

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
02-November, 2016 13:22 IST
Online submission of applications by urban poor for affordable houses from tomorrow

Ministry of HUPA and Common Services Centre SPV sign MoU

Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad hail the initiative; say will speed up PMAY (Urban)

In a significant initiative, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has enabled online submission of applications by the urban poor for affordable houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(Urban) from tomorrow.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed today by the Ministry of HUPA and Common Services Centre e-Governance Services India Limited of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, in the presence of respective ministers Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu and Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Out of the over two lakh Common Services Centre across the country, about 60,000 located in urban areas will enable online submission of applications from November 3,2016 at a nominal cost of Rs.25/- per application. As per the MoU, CSCs will also facilitate printing of the acknowledgement receipt with beneficiary photograph which helps applicants in tracking application status. Beneficiaries have to visit the nearest CSC for seeking assistance for seeking benefits of PMAY(Urban) online. In case the beneficiary does not have Aadhar Card, CSCs will enable beneficiaries acquiring them. This process of applying online is e-KYC (Know Your Client) enabled which means applications are submitted after due verification.

Minister of HUPA Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu said on the occasion that Digital India Mission is transforming the country and collaboration with CSC SPV will help in bringing more urban poor under the ambit of PMAY(Urban) by addressing the difficulties associated in physical submission of applications to Urban Local Bodies, for want of adequate help and guidance. He said that while 13.70 lakh urban poor were sanctioned affordable houses during 2005-14, about 11 lakh houses have been already sanctioned for urban poor during the last one year and this will pick up further momentum through online applications.

Minister of Electronics and IT Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad said that CSCs are the front end soldiers of Digital India Mission and are engaged in empowering different sections of the society through skilling and online delivery of services.

The MoU was signed by Shri Amrit Abhijat, Joint Secretary, Ministry of HUPA and Shri Dinesh Tyagi, CEO, CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd.

Through a similar MoU with the Ministry of Urban Development, CSCs have so enabled 15 lakh transactions helping beneficiaries apply on line for construction of toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission in urban areas.

AAR/KM/November 2,2016

The Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad witnessing the signing ceremony of an MoU between the Ministries of Urban Development and Information Technology to enable Common Services Centre e-Governance Services Ltd. to enable online applications by beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), in New Delhi on November 02, 2016. The Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Ms. Aruna Sundararajan is also seen.

 

[sbmc27]

Excellent...
But primary focus should be basic housing in rural areas as well as proper sanitation facilities and beneficiaries should be the poorest of the poor.
Anyway a very good move..

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
16-November, 2016 15:36 IST
Over 12 lakh houses sanctioned for urban poor under PMAY(Urban)

Central assistance of Rs.19,682 cr committed; Rs.6,172 cr released to States

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), launched in June last year, a total of 12,27,088 affordable houses for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in urban areas have so far been approved with a total central assistance commitment of Rs. 19,682 cr of which Rs.6,172 cr has been already released. This was stated by Minister of State for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further said that construction of 2,21,373 houses has started of which 48,236 have been built.

State-wise approvals include: Andhra Pradesh(1,94,884), Gujarat (1,20,782), West Bengal (1,22,915), Maharashtra (1,18,252), Karnataka (82,964), Telangana (81,920), Madhya Pradesh (67,893), Bihar (63,017), Tamil Nadu (61,711), Odisha (46,798) and Tripura (45,905).

Gujarat leads in construction having so far built 59,515 affordable houses followed by Tamil Nadu-34,976, Madhya Pradesh-29,467, West Bengal-20,007, Bihar-16,002, Rajasthan-13,449, Jharkhand-10,212, Karnataka-9,335, Andhra Pradesh-5,671 and Odisha-4,105.

Under PMAY (Urban), central assistance of Rs.1.00 lakh to Rs.2.30 lakh per each dwelling unit is provided to eligible beneficiaries under the four components of the scheme.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Rural Development
20-November, 2016 16:45 IST
PM Launches “Housing for All” in Rural Areas

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today formally launched “Housing for All” in rural areas under which the Government proposes to provide an environmentally safe and secure pucca house to every rural household by 2022. Named the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin), in its first phase the target is to complete one crore houses by March 2019. The unit cost for these houses has been significantly increased and now through convergence a minimum support of nearly Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 1.6 lakh to a household is available. There is also a provision of Bank loan upto Rs. 70,000/-, if the beneficiary so desires. The selection of beneficiaries has been through a completely transparent process using the Socio Economic Census 2011 data and validating it through the Gram Sabha.

PMAY-G is a major step forward in bringing together Skill India, Digital India, Make In India, IT/DBT Aadhaar platform and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). The programme provides for skilling 5 lakh Rural Masons by 2019 and allows over 200 different housing designs across the country based on a detailed study of housing typologies, environmental hazards and the households’ requirements. A large scale use of local materials is envisaged along with a complete home with cooking space, electricity provision, LPG, toilet and bathing area, drinking water etc through convergence. The programme targets the poor households and uses ICT and space technology to further confirm correct selection of beneficiaries and progress of work. The entire payments are through IT/DBT mode with Aadhaar linked Bank accounts with consent, to ensure complete transparency and accountability. There is a provision for orientation of beneficiaries. A 45 days on site hands-on skill training of Rural Masons helps poor households to move up the skilling ladder.

The PM saw over 40 of the over 200 building designs and interacted with newly trained Rural Masons and beneficiaries which were showcased near dais. He also distributed Sanction Certificates to a few beneficiaries from Agra District.

******

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launches Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launches Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav are also seen.

 

[PatriotLover]

Wow cool, so when will the first house be built in 2050?

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting an exhibition on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting an exhibition on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting an exhibition on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting an exhibition on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting an exhibition on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting an exhibition on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh on November 20, 2016. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav are also seen.

 

[duhastmish]

Amazing i am so impressed.

How do they manage to have such event organised without cash or less than 24000.

Because small vandors dont accept card. A painter doesbt have cash swipe machine may be they swipe it up his aaaaaaaa.

Bloody making janta fool. A housing for all where do they get money. Free house or make people earn enough to buy house.

Next what a helicopter for alll

A lofe time restaurent meal voucher for all

A free all you can buy zara card for lifetime

Free clean air

Free water

People are too dumb to realize the reality.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...ove-into-tall-residential-towers_1953427.html
Last Updated: Friday, November 25, 2016 - 21:10
Mumbai: The 25,000 washermen of Mumbai`s iconic `Dhobi Ghat` -- the scene of scores of Bollywood movies and the world`s largest open air laundromat -- will move into tall towers, courtesy of a slum rehabilitation project which got underway on Friday.

The washerfolk living with their families in tiny slum dwellings surrounding the Dhobi Ghat, besides other ancillary industries, have given their consent to Omkar Realtors & Developers, said company Executive Director Kaushik

"The development project will not hamper the century-old heritage site comprising 731 washing pens and flogging stones, drying areas and the community areas of Dhobi Ghat, which is also a major tourist destination," More said.

While 4,000 families have already moved out another 1,000 will shift within the next few months and Omkar plans to hand over their swank new 270 sq. feet flats with full amenities in towers surrounding the Dhobi Ghat, More added.

Later, the state government may consider giving a new look to the Dhobi Ghat itself by improving and beautifying the surroundings of the locality, which is spread across a sprawling 23 acres of land.

The washermen -- known as `dhobis` -- work in the open with non-stop running water supply, drainage, washing soaps, detergents, whiteners and other accessories to manually wash big and small clothes in bulk, mostly from corporate clients, hospitals and deluxe hotels.

They are as unique to Mumbai as the famous `dabbawallas`, who pick up and deliver lunch boxes on time to lakhs of Mumbaikars daily.

Constructed in 1890 to cater to the washing requirements of the British and Parsis living in Mumbai, Dhobi Ghat stands adjacent to the Mahalaxmi station in south Mumbai, comprising rows of open air concrete wash pens and a heavy flogging stone.

In 2013, it added a new feather to its cap by bagging a Guinness World Record for the largest number of people washing clothes simultaneously, adding to its more than a century-old reputation.

It has over a dozen separate entry gates, where the hordes of washermen gain entry around 5 a.m. and they continue washing and drying clothes till 10 p.m., round-the-year.

Flocks of wide-eyed domestic and foreign tourists, walk around the Dhobi Ghat daily, or click pictures from the Mahalaxmi bridge. Many also click selfies with the dhobis heaving and puffing while washing the heavy laundry.

Bollywood director Kiran Rao (wife of Aamir Khan) had directed her first film named "Dhobi Ghat" (2011). Former US President Bill Clinton also paid a visit to the area once.

Dhobi Ghat has been a constant favourite with Bollywood directors. Notable among them are scenes in "Munnabhai MBBS", Amitabh Bachchan`s "Don" and many more.



PTI

First Published: Friday, November 25, 2016 - 21:10

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation
21-December, 2016 14:47 IST
Uttar Pradesh sends first proposal for construction of houses for urban poor under PMAY (Urban)

Ministry of HUPA approves construction of 52,319 more affordable houses with an investment of Rs.Rs.2,946 cr

MP gets 25,097 more houses; UP-11,286, Chattisgarh-8,941; Maharashtra-3,805; Nagaland-2,422; Puducherry-720; Daman-48

13.43 lakh houses approved for urban poor under PMAY (Urban) so far with an investment of Rs.72,781 cr


Uttar Pradesh has become the 29th State to send proposals for construction of affordable houses for urban poor to the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation. The first such proposal for construction of 11,286 houses for urban poor in 34 towns of Uttar Pradesh was approved by the Ministry of HUPA on December 20, 2016. Total investment involved in construction of these houses is Rs.384 cr. the Ministry has approved central assistance of Rs. 160 cr in this regard.

Uttar Pradesh Government proposed construction of these houses under Beneficiary Led Construction component of PMAY(Urban). Under this component, eligible beneficiaries are given central assistance of Rs.1.50 lakh each for construction of new houses on their land or for improvement of existing houses. PMAY (Urban) was launched in June last year.

Some of the towns of Uttar Pradesh for which construction of new houses was sanctioned are: Barwar-925 houses, Iltifatganj-910, Maholi-602, Ranipur-574, Pali-549, Suriyawan-506, Chughuli-501, Sikandra-447, Kathera-415, Kora Jahanabad-413, Mahroni-411, Ranipur Mariharan-367, Churk Ghurma- 357, Sarsawan-343 and Bahua-316.

Three towns for which improvement of existing houses has been approved are: Maghar-489, Ghuguhuli-299 and Shohratgarh-73.

The Ministry yesterday approved construction of 52,319 houses for urban poor under PMAY(Urban) involving an investment of Rs.2,946 cr and central assistance of Rs.778 cr.

In the latest round of approvals, Madhya Pradesh got 25,097 houses, Chattisgarh-8,941 houses, Maharashtra-3,805, Nagaland-2,422, Puducherry-720 and Daman-48.

With this, the Ministry of HUPA has so far approved construction of a total of 13,43,805 houses for urban poor under PMAY (Urban) involving an investment of Rs.72,781 cr and central assistance of Rs.19,633 cr.

AAR/KM

December 21, 2016