EMN
Dimapur, December 12
The housing scheme ‘Housing for Urban Poor’ has been inaugurated in Kohima town, December 12. The housing project is a component of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
Parliamentary Secretary for Urban Development Zhaleo Rio inaugurated the project. Secretary to the Ministry of Housing Kumar Misra Arun Kumar was also present during the ceremonial launching of the project. The project has been conceptualized as a self-contained neighborhood with provision of all infrastructure amenities such a school buildings, community hall, water supply and electricity and sanitation, the department said in a press release received here today.
Chief Secretary of Nagaland Alemtemshi Jamir addressed the gathering. The official highlighted various issues confronting the state on account of rapid urbanization process. He claimed that the state of Nagaland has recorded the highest urban growth rate in Indian during the past two consecutive census.
Keeping in view the importance of the urban sector in the overall economic growth of the state, he said, the government of Nagaland is considering constructing expressways and railway lines along the foothills. “Such corridors shall be development as Special Development Zone in the form of linear towns and cities which will give immense employment opportunities to the upcoming youth of the state,” Jamir said.
Secretary to the Government of India, ministry of Housing Arun Kumar also addressed the gathering. He expressed satisfaction at “the quality of construction” and stated that the quality of work is “indeed one of the best in the country.” The central government official congratulated the department and the contractors for the “successful completion of the project.” Appreciating the concept of special development zones for Nagaland, Kumar informed that the central government is launching a new programme called the Rajiv Awas Yojna, Rajiv Rinn Yojana and National Urban Livelihood Mission.
He advised the state to take full advantage of the developmental programs that the ministry is offering to the states.
Also, chief guest Zhaleo Rio addressed the gathering. The legislator expressed gratitude to the central housing ministry for funding the project.
He said that the state of Nagaland recorded a negative growth trend during 2011 census but the urban sector continued to grow at 68%, making it one of the highest among states in the country.
He claimed to the central ministry officials that “Nagaland do not have much resources like other progressive states.” Therefore, he appealed to the officials, to continue the funding pattern of 90:10 instead of 80:20 as ‘according to the latest guidelines.’
The parliamentary secretary said further that there are various other smaller towns in Nagaland aside from the 19 statutory towns. The smaller towns such as administrative headquarters are growing fast and require provisions of basic urban amenities and services. The politician requested the central government to consider providing funds to the settlements as well.
In regard to reforms under the JNNURM scheme, Zhaleo Rio said that various reform policies could not be achieved in spite of the state government’s “sincere efforts”.
The legislator has urged the housing ministry to “have a liberal view to the extent of exemption in certain difficult areas of reforms.” The press release received here today form the department stating his speech did not specify what the said reforms were.
Later in the programme the officials gave away allotment certificates to identified beneficiaries. More allotments would be given after beneficiaries are identified and the process is identified, the implementing department said.
About the JNNURM
The JNNURM is a massive city-modernization scheme launched by the Government of India under Ministry of Urban Development. It envisages a total investment of over $20 billion over seven years.
Named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, the scheme was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 3 December 2005 as a programme meant to improve the quality of life and infrastructure in the cities.
It was launched in 2005 for a seven-year period (up to March 2012) to encourage cities to initiate steps for bringing phased improvements in their civic service levels.
The government has extended the tenure of the mission for two years, i.e., from April 2012 to March 31, 2014.
