KOHIMA, SEPT 23 : Land holding system in Nagaland was cited as one of the major problems and a probable stumbling block towards implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) or Housing for All in the State.
This concern was shared during the one-day Regional Workshop on PMAY - Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), organised by National Housing Bank (NHB), a Central nodal agency for implementation of PMAY- CLSS, at Hotel Japfü, Kohima today.
The NHB is organising regional workshops across the country to create awareness among the primary lending institutions (PLIs) and have interactions on implementation of the scheme with senior officials of the state governments, scheduled commercial banks and urban local bodies (ULBs).
The National Housing Bank was represented by Dr Sanjeev Sharma, executive director, Rita Bhattarcharya, DGM, and Raj Kumar Negi, Deputy Manager.
Presenting an overview of the scheme, Dr Sharma said the scheme mainly targets beneficiaries of Economic Weaker Section (EWS) with household income of upto Rs 3 lakh and the Low Income Group (LIG) whose income is above Rs 3 lakh and upto Rs 6 lakh.
He also informed the interest subsidy eligibility at the rate of 6.50% for a maximum tenure of 15 years for a loan amount upto Rs 6 lakh which is provided upfront under the scheme and shall be proportionate to the amount disbursed by the PLIs/banks.
Dr Sharma also said NHB has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with 146 PLIs and has disbursed subsidy of more than Rs 189 crore across the country. He also informed that as of September 20, 9868 households have benefited from this scheme with 27 beneficiaries from the north eastern states of Assam, Manipur, Tripura including Sikkim.
Referring to the land issue in Nagaland, Dr Sharma said it is a big challenge for the bankers and a bigger challenge for the State Government for implementation of the scheme. Therefore, he has requested the State Government to find out and device the best applicable method or system to effectively implement the scheme in the State.
Sharing his concern on the land holding system in the context of Nagaland, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Municipal Affairs, Menukhol John said practical constructive suggestions need to be worked out through the collective efforts of the government, department and all concerned in order to successfully implement the scheme.
Also citing another concern with regard to collateral issue with the financial institutions, John has requested the bankers to think a little outside the box and be accommodating towards implementation of this particular scheme.
He also stressed the need for a focussed approach of all parties to be involved to see to it that the scheme is implemented effectively, and also on the need to create awareness in both the rural and urban areas through radio jingles so that targeted beneficiaries are benefitted.
Joint director & HoD & nodal officer for PMAY-HFA (U) A Zanbemo Ngullie was optimistic that the State Government would solve the land issue. He requested the financial institutions not to let the land issue be a stumbling block and delay the implementation of the scheme.
Also speaking on the occasion, assistant general manager, SBI and SLBC convener Lumkim Thangboy said the SBI is keen on giving housing loan to the entire population under this scheme and assured to extend full cooperation towards implementation of all centrally sponsored schemes.
However, citing the various problems associated with tribal states, Thangboy has asked the State Government to ‘assure the bankers in writing’ that it can fully go out for the implementation of the scheme.
At the same time, the financial institutions were also requested to have some compassion so that targeted beneficiaries are benefitted.
A detailed presentation on the PMAY-CLSS scheme was presented by Rita Bhatarcharya followed by interactive session.
The regional workshop was attended by about 50 participants from scheduled commercial banks, Regional Rural Bank, officials of various development authorities and Department of Municipal Affairs.
