While the earlier directive dealt exclusively with unauthorised occupation of Type VIII or ministerial bungalows, the new exercise will screen houses of lower categories which are mostly occupied by senior bureaucrats.

Sources said the minister has asked the Director of Estates to prepare a list of all defaulters so that action such as eviction and penalty may be taken against them. The list of such offenders -- in government houses of all categories -- is expected to run into several thousands.

It has been decided to begin from the top down with Type VIII and Type VII (generally allotted to Central Ministers, other VVIPs and senior bureaucrats) houses being screened first for illegal occupants. And thengovernment houses of lower categories down to the lowest Type I category.

Sources said ``unauthorised occupation'' includes cases of those who have been staying long after their term has expired or allotment stands cancelled and also those who have got their allotment extended violating procedure.

A majority of the offenders (in terms of percentage of houses of a particular category) are the big guns: those occupying Type VIII, Type VII and Type VI houses, generally allotted to ministers, MPs and senior bureaucrats.

Many of them, sources say, have been defaulting for years despite several eviction notices and reportedly owe the government lakhs in rent arrears at market rates.

Meanwhile, most of the VVIPs asked by Jethmalani to vacate their bungalows earlier have either sought more time or demanded that they be allotted alternate accommodation before moving out.

It is learnt that the ministry is contemplating a tougher line such as serving a formal eviction notice.