Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board Chairman Ku. Pa. Krishnan on Wednesday said that a committee constituted under the District Collector would identify eligible beneficiaries for allotment of houses under the government housing scheme.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Krishnan said that people from rural areas were moving to cities in search of livelihood opportunities, but many did not have a place to stay. The department would provide them with housing and help them live with dignity. A committee headed by the District Collector would receive applications, verify the eligibility of applicants and identify beneficiaries before the allotment of houses.

New housing units would be constructed, and steps would also be taken to retrieve unoccupied tenements that were under the influence of anti-social elements. Maintenance and repair works would be carried out in old buildings, and priority would be given to residents who had already been living in the tenements, he added.

Responding to a question regarding allegations that separate housing units were allotted to Dalit residents in Saidapet by a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam MLA, Mr. Krishnan denied the claims. He said no such allotments had been made.

On projects promised during the previous government in Tiruchi, Mr. Krishnan said all completed but under utilised projects would be reviewed and put to effective use, while pending projects would be expedited.

He also said that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay would soon visit the Tiruchi East constituency to thank the people. The date and schedule of the visit would be announced later.