A delegation of slum dwellers of Kusumpur Pahari village here led by Vasant Kunj Municipal Councillor Rakesh Rajora called on Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday urging her to allow the residents to continue living in the village after construction of rehabilitation flats for them. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajora observed: "The villagers have been living here for the past 35 years with their families. The Government has a policy of providing a two-room flat to each family on payment of Rs.2 lakh. While Rs.1 lakh will be paid by the residents, the remaining Rs.1 lakh will be granted as a loan that will be recovered in instalments spread over 25 years.' According to Mr. Rajora, besides rehabilitating the residents, the Chief Minister should also ensure provision of basic civic amenities like electricity, drinking water, dispensary and a community centre in the area. Addressing the gathering, Ms. Dikshit encouraged the residents to make sure of educating their girl children and said the Government would deposit Rs.10,000 in the name of the girl children born in the families residing in Kusum Pahari village. "When the girl reaches 18 years of age, this amount would increase to Rs.1 lakh which could be utilised in furthering the education of the child.' The Chief Minister advised the gathering to not only educate their girl child but also train them in vocational skills such as computers, embroidery and tailoring so that they would have no problem in seeking employment when they grow up.
