In a bid to propel housing activities in the country, the Union Government has urged all States speed up the handing over of the 'pattas' to low income groups. It would help to arrange funds for the construction of new homes leading to increase in demand for cement and steel sector, the most impacted sectors due to global financial crisis.

The idea was suggested by Mr. T. K. A. Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in a meeting of Chief Secretaries of States on 'Implementation of economic stimulus measures', in the capital.

Mr K. M. Chandrashekar, the Union Cabinet Secretary, said that government would also ask States to replace old buses of state transport department, clearly, to spur demand in transport sector. He said, "The implementation of the proposal will not only give a boost to the automobile sector but also the ancillary industry. It will also ease the problem of urban transportation."

He also asked states to hold regular meeting with the State level Banking Consultative Committee for uniform distribution of funds to all sectors. Mr. Chandrashekar said, "The meeting is likely to take place either once a month or once a fortnight. It will also be attended by an official from the Reserve Bank of India." Meanwhile, States urged Center to allocate more funds and grants for better implementation of projects and policies designed by government. They also asked for setting up of a public project approval board with central ministries for early approval and execution of development projects.