Date:11/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/08/11/stories/2004081103201900.htm

Back AP: Aid for weaker section housing programmes

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , Aug. 10

THE Union Minister of State for Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, Ms Selja, has extended financial support to Andhra Pradesh's weaker section housing programme, the State Road Transport Corporation, solar lighting in municipalities and also for irrigation and power projects.

According to an official press release here on Tuesday, Ms Selja, during an informal meeting with the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and the Union Minister of State for Medical and Health, Ms Panabaka Laxmi, has suggested that the State could seek assistance from Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) to the tune of Rs 600 crore for weaker section housing programme and up to Rs 750 crore for solar lighting in municipalities.

Similarly, Ms Selja suggested that the State could approach HUDCO to invest up to Rs 800 crore in bonds to be floated by the AP Water Resources Development Corporation for financing the Chief Minister's plan for doubling the existing irrigation potential in Andhra Pradesh in the next five years.

The Union Minister also felt that the entire amount of about Rs 200 crore needed by the AP State Road Transport Corporation could be provided by HUDCO if the State Government submitted a suitable proposal. She made a similar offer regarding the requirement of Rs 18.11 crore by AP Tribal Power Co Ltd.

Ms Selja said that HUDCO could extend an assistance of up to Rs 750 crore in this regard, the release added.