The Council has directed all organizations and agencies of the Central and State governments to consider providing surplus lands for construction of affordable houses.
The Western Zonal Council consists of the States of Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Union Territories of Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar is the current vice chairman of the council.
In a statement the Union Minister said the Western Zone is the economic hub of the country and therefore needs special attention. He also emphasized on cooperative federalism.
Earlier speaking to media persons on the housing for all policy, Additional Secretary and Advisor, inter-state council secretariat R Buhril said, “The Maharashtra government has proposed to allow them to convert around 13,000 hectares of salt pan land, lying ideal and also been illegally encroached, under State government and the same could be used for construction of affordable housing.”
The official also informed about issuing biometric identity cards to fishermen to curb infiltration. “In almost all the coastal States 60 percent biometric cards have been issued. The council has directed the ministries and departments to hasten up and complete this by December 31, this year,” he said.
Till date around 67,550 fishermen have been provided Resident Identity Cards (RICs), a Government of India scheme, as a measure to strengthen coastal security.
In the meeting, the council also deliberated upon development issues which have a social and economic bearing, and also issues related to internal security and made important recommendations. Totally 23 agenda items were discussed and deliberated.
The meeting was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Dattatray Mahajan, Goa Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza, and Ashish Kundra, Administrator, Daman and Diu and Dadra. Besides, several ministers from the States and a number of top officials from the Central and State governments were also present.
