Ranchi, Nov. 28: Better living will no longer be a distant dream for slum dwellers in the state.

The government has initiated the process of implementing the Centre-sponsored Basic Services to Urban Poor scheme (BSUP) — the first project under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). This was revealed at a one-day workshop on BSUP organised by RMC today at Mahatma Gandhi Town Hall.

The Union government has sanctioned Rs 179 crore to provide integrated housing solutions to slum dwellers. Under this project, the residents of over 100 slums will be given a house each. They will also be able to enjoy other basic amenities such as proper drinking water facilities, drainage and sewerage system, community health centres and vapour streetlights. Two cities — Ranchi and Dhanbad — have already been included in the project.

Of the 101 slums selected by the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC), 42 will be entitled to the facilities in the first phase.

Around 142 beneficiaries from 42 slums were present at today’s programme. The selected slums included Bhuiyan Toli, Harijan Toli, Islam Nagar, Dom Toli, Hesag, Sirom Toli and Harijan Bustee.

Deputy chief executive officer of RMC Mukesh Kumar Verma said they had already floated a tender about 10-15 days ago. “We are waiting for the responses. The last date is December 24. As far as development work is concerned, the details will be worked out only after the tender is finalised,” Verma said.

The total cost for constructing a house for the slum dwellers has been estimated at Rs 1.35 lakh. While the Centre will fund 80 per cent of the expenses, the state government and the beneficiaries will have to bear the remaining amount.

Officials of the urban development department and the RMC made it clear that the minimum area of each house should be 25m, with two rooms, kitchen and a toilet. “The houses will be either in the name of the female member of the family or both husband and wife,” said the officials.

According to the 2001 census, the urban areas have 27.8 per cent population and six crores stay in slums. These people are deprived of proper living conditions and basic needs like house, water, health and sanitation facilities.

Urban development department secretary Shailesh Kumar Singh said funds should be utilised in the proper way so that it reaches the beneficiaries.