International Year of Shelter for the Homeless
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 5, 1987 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 1500000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1111 Stamp Number IN 1173 Yvert et Tellier IN 926 Stanley Gibbons IN 1259 |
| Themes | Families | Houses | International Years | Stylized Objects | |
International Year of Shelter for the Homeless
The United Nations General Assembly designated the year 1987 as the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. The primary objectives of this year are:
- Improving Shelter and Neighborhoods by 1987: To enhance the living conditions of some of the poor and disadvantaged groups by the year 1987.
- Long-term Demonstration by 2000: To showcase ways and means of improving the shelter and neighborhoods for the poor and disadvantaged by the year 2000.
Government of India’s Commitment
The Government of India places high importance on providing shelter to the homeless. This priority has been reflected in India’s Five-Year Plans, which have consistently included shelter provision as a crucial element.
20-Point Programme, 1986
The 20-Point Programme introduced in 1986, includes specific points related to housing:
- Point No. 14:
- Making house sites available to rural people.
- Expanding house construction programs.
- Emphasizing the construction of houses for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
- Developing low-cost building materials.
- Point No. 15:
- Restricting the growth of slums.
- Providing basic facilities in existing slum areas.
- Encouraging planned house building in urban areas to improve the situation of the shelterless.
Achievements and Initiatives
During the Sixth Five-Year Plan and the first two years of the Seventh Five-Year Plan:
- House Sites: About 6.9 million house sites were provided to rural landless families.
- Construction Assistance: 2.6 million families received construction assistance.
- Economically Weaker Sections: 1.1 million housing units were constructed under the Scheme of Housing for the economically weaker sections.
- Urban Slums: 12.6 million slum dwellers benefitted from the Programme of Environmental Improvement of Urban Slums.
In line with the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (IYSH), 1987, State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, responsible for implementing housing schemes, have been requested to identify and implement demonstration projects. Most states have taken significant steps in this direction, launching schemes to alleviate housing shortages, particularly focusing on providing shelter to the homeless population.
HUDCO’s Contribution
The Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has sanctioned 187 projects under IYSH, benefiting one million people.
Indira Awaas Yojna
Launched in 1985, the Indira Awaas Yojna aims to construct one million houses for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in rural areas. So far, approximately 325,000 units have been sanctioned.
The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a special stamp commemorating the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless, highlighting India’s commitment and progress towards providing shelter for all.