Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

27-August-2012 16:07 IST

Shelters for Salt Workers

The Government sanctioned 5000 houses under the Namak Mazdoor Awas Yojana (NMAY) during the 10th Five Year Plan for salt workers in various States. The Scheme was discontinued in the 11th Five Year Plan and was finally approved the Planning Commission for implementation in the last year of the 11th Five Year Plan under the revised format of Modified NMAY. Total of 750 houses were proposed to be sanctioned. However, since proposals were not received from the State Governments as per the schematic framework, sanctions could not be issued by the Government of India.

The Central Government had received a general reference, only from the Government of Gujarat in February 2012 suggesting that Central Government may contribute 50% of the amount in the projects approved by the State Government for better welfare activities and development in salt producing areas.

Specific proposal is awaited from the State Government.

The Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) is reported to have established certain model salt farms in Gujarat with the help of NGOs and the State Government.

This information was given by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of State for Commerce, Industry and Textiles in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

DS/GK

Housing assistance for salt workers: central scheme paused pending state proposals and proposed central co funding awaits submission. Central housing assistance for salt workers under the Namak Mazdoor Awas Yojana was revised and approved for implementation, but sanctions could not be issued because State Governments did not submit required project proposals; Gujarat has proposed Central co funding for State-approved projects, but a specific proposal is still awaited.