CM calls for comparative study of housing programmes

Special Correspondent

-Asks Opposition parties to do some introspection on issue 

-YSR seeks suggestions on programme

-Asks parties to sink differences and work for the poor

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has invited all parties to a ‘countrywide tour’ for a comparative study of the housing programmes.

In an open letter to people, Dr. Reddy said there was no need for the Left parties or TDP to wage a struggle for securing house sites for the poor as the Government had launched a massive housing programme under “Indiramma” scheme. Apart from this, a massive land distribution programme was also under way.

“I am asking them (leaders of political parties) to undertake a tour of all States and find out for themselves whether there is any such massive programme under implementation as in Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

Welfare schemes

Appealing to them to give suggestions to improve the present housing programme, he said “this is not a challenge, but my request to you.”

Drawing people’s attention to welfare measures like free power, hike in pensions and its numbers and Indiramma housing programme that was benefiting lakhs of poor people, he said “did we launch these programmes because someone demanded? Was it not a voluntary effort on our part.”

Reiterating his commitment to the poor, he said apart from the ex gratia announced, the Government would also allot two acres of land to the families of the victims.

Those losing limbs would get Rs.1 lakh each, he assured. Urging the political parties to sink ideological differences in working for the poor, he said “every poor family shall own a house in the State in the next three years. Let us repay our debt to the poor thus. Don’t trouble people with needless agitations. I don’t take credit for anything, instead I will give the credit to you.”