Hubballi: In a first of its kind initiative in the state, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has provided residential sites free of cost to its permanent Pourakarmikas.

The HDMC has developed 122 sites of 20X30 feet dimension on 3.13 acres of land at Navanagar, for its permanent Pourakarmikas. The title deeds of free sites were distributed to 94 Pourakarmikas, at a function held at Navanagar, while the documents of other beneficiaries are being verified. The list of beneficiaries has been prepared based on seniority, HDMC officials said.

Inaugurating the programme, District In-charge Minister Vinay Kulkarni said Pourakarmikas strive hard for the cleanliness of the city. The government has increased their salary to Rs 18,000 per month. Breakfast and lunch are also being provided to them. To build the houses, the government would provide Rs 7.50 Lakh, while the HDMC would help them to get a loan of upto Rs 20 Lakh, Kulkarni said.

MLA Prasad Abbayya stated that two acres of land has been identified to develop Ashraya Layout with 320 sites for Pourakarmikas. Deputy Mayor Laxmi Uppar presided over.

HDMC Commissioner Maj (Rtd) Siddhalingayya Hiremath, NWKRTC Chairman Sadanand Danganavar, Deputy Commissioner S B Bommanahalli and others were present.