GRAM paper comes up with the proposed changes for the rural homes
The Union Rural Development Ministry has suggested doubling the amount of financial assistance offered to the villagers to build homes. The ministry stated that the current allocation of Rs 70,000 was “insufficient”. This amount should be increased to Rs. 1.5 lakh. This data was published by National Gramin Awaas Mission (GRAM) in a paper prepared by the ministry on housing.
The ministry feels that the unit assistance needs to be increased to Rs 1.5 lakh or so in plain areas or a little higher in difficult/ hilly areas so that the toilet becomes an integral part of the house. With Rs. 70,000, construction of toilets will not be possible and the problem of sanitation and safety will remain as is.
GRAM is a rechristened version of the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY). At present, the unit assistance is Rs. 70,000 (Rs 75,000 in difficult areas) which is not sufficient to build a full-fledged dwelling in these areas. This paper also emphasises on the need for building stronger houses which can withstand wear and tear and weather factors for at least a period of 30 years in the rural areas.
Along with the inclusion of toilets another major factor needs to be looked into. At present the unit size is fixed at a minimum of 20 square metre which is too small for a household and needs to be increased to at least 30 square metre to provide enough space for the household and livelihood activities.
Source- The Financial Express
GRAM, IAY, Indira Awas Yojana, National Gramin Awaas Mission, Union rural development ministry
