14. One of the first acts of the Prime Minister, Shri Deve Gowda, was to convene a meeting of Chief Ministers on Basic Minimum Services. This reflects the resolve of the United Front to "advance the principles of political, administrative and economic federalism". The Chief Ministers' Conference recommended adoption of seven objectives to be attained by the year 2000. These are 100% coverage of provision of safe drinking water; 100% coverage of primary health centres; universalisation of primary education; public housing assistance to all shelterless poor families; extension of the mid-day meal scheme; road connectivity to all villages and habitations; and streamlining the public distribution system targeted to families below the poverty line.
15. These objectives are now being served by Centrally-sponsored schemes and schemes in State Plans. Hon'ble Members will be glad to know that I am providing an additional amount of Rs.2,466 crore as Central assistance for State and UT plans to significantly increase the availability of funds for these schemes. From this amount, it is our intention to allocate about Rs.250 crore to provide shelter and other basic amenities to slum dwellers. The distribution of this enhanced allocation across the seven schemes and across States and Union Territories will be determined by the Planning Commission in consultation with them.
