Funds sanctioned for slum development

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Feb 10: The municipal affairs department has sanctioned Rs 18 crore for the implementation of the Integrated Slum Development Project, a Central government-sponsored scheme proposed by the English Bazaar Municipality (EBM).

At a meeting held on Sunday in Siliguri, the municipal affairs minister, Mr Asok Bhattacharya, informed the English Bazaar civic body officials of the release of funds and asked them to begin implementing the project. The Centre, state, local urban local bodies and beneficiaries will all contribute to the implementation of the Integrated Slum Development Project. The municipal engineering department (MED) will execute the project.

Last year, following the suggestions of Mr Asok Bhattacharya, the EBM had begun preparations for the Integrated Slum Development Project, which would focus on the development of infrastructure in slum regions. The project would provide roads, culverts, drainage systems, public drinking water taps, electricity and houses for the poor. The EBM must select beneficiaries for the project before the first phase can be implemented. These beneficiaries will be required to show evidence of their own land records before seeking a house under the project. “We need to approach the bank and negotiate the opening of accounts for the allotted funds. Also, beneficiaries need to be selected, who will have to pay Rs 16,000 per house constructed under the scheme. Arranging loans for these beneficiaries is crucial, as many will be unable to pay Rs 16,000 in one lump sum,” said Ms Sumala Agarwal, a Trinamul councilor of the EBM.

The houses to be sold for Rs 16,000 will be built by the civic body for Rs 1,00,000. The deficit will be borne by the Centre and state government, according to their shares. The EBM is expecting nearly 500 families from English Bazaar town to benefit from the project.