New Delhi, June 2 (IANS) The cabinet Thursday approved the development of housing and basic facilities in slums across 250 cities in the country.

 
 Home Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters that slum development projects under the Rajiv Awas Yojana would be undertaken in 250 cities that have a population of more than one lakh.
 
 He briefed the media after the cabinet met at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence.
 
 The scheme aims to help re-develop slums, stop their proliferation and provide a dignified life and property rights to the dwellers, Chidambaram said.
 
 The government will bear 50 percent of the cost of the slum projects, the cabinet decided.
 
 Chidambaram said Rs.1,000 crore will be provided as capital for mortgage guarantee facilities under the scheme.
 
 The cabinet also decided to enhance the scholarship and maintenance grants for Scheduled Tribe students for post-matriculation studies.