Two bedroom scheme in limbo
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao orders CB-CID probe after finding irregularities in scheme
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-08-11 03:18 GMT
Hyderabad: While three model house plans of Chief Minister, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s dream two-bedroom housing scheme for the weaker sections are ready, grounding of the project is likely to take another three to four months.As against the initial assessment of Rs 3 lakh per house, the cost has escalated to Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4 lakh due to rise in prices.
Mr Rao, who found huge irregularities in the housing scheme, running into crores of rupees, has ordered a CB-CID probe.
While the inquiry is on, the Chief Minister is also keen to find out the correct data of households in the state before launching his electoral promises to ensure that genuine households get the earmarked benefits.“We have three model house designs ready. But since we need correct data, the launch of the housing scheme may take another three to four months,” said Mr B. Venkatesham, principal secretary of housing.
“I feel pained to order a CB-CID inquiry, but I had no option. I am flabbergasted at the huge fraud in the housing scheme. There is a Rs 1000-crore fraud ” said Mr Rao. He pointed to a village in Warangal where bills were claimed for construction of 600 houses, but not a single house was found.“ I want to ensure pucca construction of houses and that eligible families get the benefit, I am not in a hurry to ground the scheme without proper documentation,” added Mr Rao.