According to M Karunanidhi CM of Tamil Nadu, the rising prices of cement and steel in the open market will not affect beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Housing Scheme.

Pointing out that the scheme was being implemented in all 12,618 village panchayats simultaneously with each dwelling unit of 207 square feet, Mr Karunanidhi in a statement said that the government was providing cement and steel at nominal cost to the beneficiaries through village panchayats. He said that sixty bags of cement at INR 210 a bag were being given. Steel 155 kg for each house was being supplied at an average rate of INR 36 a kg.

Besides, District Collectors were taking steps for the supply of bricks at a reasonable rate by holding negotiations with owners of brick kilns. Efforts were on to provide other construction materials, including sand at rates determined by the government or less than market rate.

Training was being given to construction workers and financial assistance to women self help groups through the Tamil Nadu Corporation for the Development of Women.

Mr MK Stalin deputy chief minister who conducted a recent trip to the Tiruvannamalai district informed him that 200,000 houses would be completed by December end and the entire number of 300,000 houses by January, the chief minister said, giving an account of various welfare measures taken by him over the years in the area of low cost housing for vulnerable sections of society.

(Sourced from www.thehindu.com)