The much publicised flagship affordable housing scheme of the Rajasthan Government, launched more than four years ago, has failed to give possession to single person.
The Government had promised to construct five lakh low-cost houses for slum-dwellers and others below the poverty line. In fact, the Central Government had advised other States to follow the model, so impressed had it been with the scheme.
Though officials claim that about 1.50 lakh houses have already been constructed and allotment and possession will start from next month, sources at the State Housing Board and urban development department say only 3,000 houses are ready. They even say the date for allotment and possession is yet to be decided.
According to experts, there had been no detailed study. The initial idea was that the Government — through the housing board and urban improvement trusts in districts — would construct houses on Government land. Several financial institutions were approached for funds but nothing was finalised for some reason or the other.
According to sources, it was finally decided to involve private builders. The builders would be entitled to some land for themselves in the same area, which they could use commercially.