Rural development minister Jairam Ramesh has drawn Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's attention to the tardy implementation of the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY), the housing scheme meant for the rural poor, in the state and urged him to take necessary steps.

In his letter dated March 1 [attached below], Ramesh notes, "During 2012/13 the target for the state was 1,36,470 houses of which it is ireported that only 99,925 houses were sanctioned. The first installment of the central share (75%) was released in the beginning of this financial year. The first installment was released only for 16 districts as the other districts could not avail the second installment during 2011/12. Further, during 2012/13, out of the 26 districts we have received proposal foir second installment from 11 districts only. Details are enclosed."

"I request that instructions may be issued to submit all relevant information at the earliest to enable us to release the amount due to Gujarat," he adds.