New Delhi: Britain has decided to provide a 102 million Pound Sterling (Rs 785.40 crore) assistance to a programme that is expected to benefit 2.4 million slum dwellers in Kolkata.

Gareth Thomas, British Minister for Asia at the Department for International Development (DFID), which is extending the financial assistance, will be in Kolkata for the launch of the Kolkata Urban Services for the Poor Programme in this regard.

On his India visit, Thomas said it gives him an opportunity to reaffirm the substantial and long-term development partnership that exists between Britain and India.

Thomas will call on West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and other senior ministers to exchange views on the key development issues and DFID's programmes during his two-day stay in the State.