The Government has approved first phase of Rajiv Aavas Yojana to provide financial assistance to the states. The assistance will be provided to those states that are willing to assign property rights to slum dwellers for provision of shelter and civic and social services for slum re-development. Briefing reporters after a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the Home Minister P. Chidambaram said that the scheme is expected to cover 250 schemes across the country in the 12th plan period at an estimated cost of 1,000 crore rupees. Mr. Chidambaram said the scheme is in pursuance of the announcement made in June 2009 of creating as slum-free India.In another decision, he said the CCEA approved revision in the 100 per cent centrally sponsored scheme of post-matric scholarship for Scheduled Tribe candidates. The Home Minister said the financial assistance will be provided to those students who pursue recognise post-matriculation courses and will be in effect from July last year. Mr. Chidambaram said that CCEA also approved the upward revision in the incentive amount to a below poverty line house hold for construction of a latrine.