Adil Lateef
Srinagar, Mar 6: In a major boost to the development programme of Jammu and Kashmir, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has approved 55 more towns of the State under Housing For All (HFA) mission in addition to already approved 25 towns of the State but shortage of technical staff may hit the implementation of the mission.
Official sources told Excelsior that the Union Government approved (under sanction number F.No. N-11036/15/2016/HFA.1 (FTS-15343) dated February 1, 2017) Akhnoor, Jourian, Khour, Ghoumanhasan, Bishnah, Arnia, Billawar, Lakhanpur, Parole, Hiranagar, Katra, Reasi, Thatri, Surankote, Vijaypur, Bari Brahamna, Ramgarh, Ramnagar, Chennani, Banihal, Batote, Sunderbani, Nowhshehra, Thanamandi and Kalakote towns of Jammu Division under HFA.
Similarly, the towns of Achhabal, Kokernag, Mattan, Pahalgam, Qazigund, Aishmu-qam, Seer Hamdan, Dooru Verinag, Devsar, Kulgam, Yaripora, Pampore, Tral, Khrew, Awantipora, Khansahab, Magam, Frisal, Langate, Beerwah, Chadoora, Charar-e-Sharief, Gulmarg/ Tangmarg, Kunzar, Pattan, Uri, Watergam, Bandipora, Sumbal and Hajin were also approved under HFA mission.
The State’s 25 towns including capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar are already under the HFA scheme. The newly approved cities will be covering Rs. 385 lakh in total under Housing For All Plan Of Action (HFAPOA) and the Government of India has already released 75 percent of 90 percent of its amount advance as first installment. It must be mentioned here that the ratio of the funds is 90:10 for Centre and State respectively.
Described as the dream project of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the aim of the HFA project rehabilitation of slum dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource, promotion of affordable housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy, affordable housing in partnership with Public and Private sectors and subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction or enhancement. The target for the implementation of first phase is 2017, second is 2019 and third 2022.
Out of 25 towns approved earlier, the work in four towns including Baramulla, Anantnag, Kathua and Udhampur is in the implementation process, sources said. In Udhampur and Baramulla, the funds have already been released to the State Government and for Anantnag and Kathua, the same have been approved.
Sources said for all 25 towns, the 37 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been “technically and financially appraised and approved by State Level Appraisal Committee chaired by Commissioner /Secretary and formally approved through State Level Monitoring Committee chaired by Chief Secretary. “They have been formally submitted to Government of India for further approval and financial assistance,” the sources added.
However, with the approval of 55 more towns, the existing State Level Technical Cell (SLTC) and City Level Technical Cell (CLTC) will be facing a challenge to cater housing demand surveys and preparation of DPRs as they are already engaged with 25 towns approved earlier. Sources said due to staff shortage and lack of infrastructure, the State, however, will be facing major hurdles in the implementation of HFA after approval of more towns.
“The existing technical expert strength for State Level Technical Cell is only four comprising of field of specialization of project engineering, town planning, Geo Information System (GIS) and social development expert against the allocated 5-10 maximum professionals State can engage as per laid down guidelines as has been done in other States of the country,” the sources added.
In case of City Level Technical Cell, they said, the total existing strength of technical experts is 14 comprising the field of project engineering specialist, town planner, GIS, Management Information System (MIS), social development expert etc., out of which in Kashmir region (including Leh and Kargil), there are only 7 experts for 13 towns.
For Jammu region, there are also only 7 experts for 12 towns, the sources said, adding that however, as per the guidelines the State can hire 2 to 4 technical experts per town. “Jammu and Kashmir is among those States where funding is already available for these cells and there is no financial shortage,” they said.
According to officials, the State Government should depute existing technical staff of SLTC and CLTC for completion of pre-requisition activities of the newly approved 55 towns of the State for the timely implementation of the HFA or else it will hit the delay.
As per the scheme guidelines of HFA, it is mandatory that State should establish technical cells (SLTC and CLTC) in order to provide the technical assistance that includes formulation of plans, preparation of DPRs and other allied activities.
Further as per these guidelines, the existing technical cells constituted for selected HFA cities has to provide technical guidance, advisory support and has to coordinate the project activities between SLNA/ULB, MCs and other housing societies including the target group for proper planning, coordination and implementation of the scheme. “The State should keep all these things in mind for timely implementation of the project,” an official said.
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