Government in process of revamping Indira Awaas Yojana

NEW DELHI: The Centre today said that it has initiated action to revamp Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) and modalities are being worked out in this regard.

In his reply in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Rural Development Upendra Kushwaha said that in compliance with the Government's objective of providing a 'pucca' house to all, the Ministry has initiated action to revamp the IAY scheme.

Modalities are being worked out, he added. The Minister was replying to a question on whether the Government is considering a proposal to revamp the IAY.

With a view to meet the housing needs of rural poor, IAY was launched in 1985 as a sub-scheme of Jawahar Rozgar Yojana. It is being implemented as an independent scheme since 1996.

IAY aims at helping rural people below the poverty-line belonging to SCs/STs, freed bonded labourers and non-SC/ST categories in construction of dwelling units and upgradation of existing unserviceable kutcha houses by providing assistance in the form of full grant.

From 1995-96, the IAY benefits have been extended to widows or next-of-kin of defence personnel killed in action. Benefits have also been extended to ex-servicemen and retired members of the paramilitary forces as long as they fulfil the normal eligibility conditions of IAY.

Three per cent of funds are reserved for the disabled persons living below the poverty-line in rural areas. Since 2006-07, IAY funds are also being earmarked for minorities.