Delhi government allots flats to 500 slum dwellers

New Delhi, July 18 (IANS) A total of 500 slum dwellers living in eight clusters across the city were Wednesday allotted flats by the Delhi government under a central government urbanisation programme.

"It is a nice beginning in the direction of providing well developed flats to large number of JJ (jhuggi-jhompri or shacks) dwellers," Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said after awarding the allotment letters to the first 40 beneficiaries.

The housing complex has been constructed in north Delhi's Bawana area, under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission programme.

She said that around 35,000 flats were under construction, which will be handed over the eligible slum dwellers once completed.

While the beneficiaries are required to pay Rs.60,000, eligible candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes will be provided 100 percent subsidy.

Allotted in joint names of husband and wife, the flats will be on leasehold basis for 15 years and then converted into freehold.