The Maharashtra government has initiated a crucial assessment that could potentially extend free and affordable housing benefits to thousands of first-floor slum residents across Mumbai. This significant move comes after persistent demands from political representatives and could mark a major shift in the state's slum rehabilitation policy.
Financial Scrutiny Precedes Policy Decision
The state housing department has formally requested the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to provide a detailed report outlining the financial implications of extending housing benefits to first-floor slum occupants. According to officials, the finance department requires comprehensive information about the direct and indirect financial burden that would fall upon the government if developers receive concessions or exemptions for including these residents in rehabilitation schemes.
Former BJP corporator Vinod Mishra, who originally championed the cause of first-floor slum rehabilitation, emphasized the urgency of the situation. "SRA must immediately reply to the queries of the finance department. Once this is done, the matter will be placed before the state cabinet and only then a government resolution will be issued," Mishra stated.
Current Policy Limitations and Political Implications
Under existing SRA schemes, only families residing on the ground floor of slums qualify for free housing or affordable options under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) by paying ₹2.5 lakh. First-floor residents remain ineligible for these benefits, regardless of whether they established residence before the 2000 cutoff date.
Political analysts suggest that if the government resolution materializes, it could be perceived as a strategic move by the BJP to attract voters in Mumbai ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The timing of this initiative has sparked considerable discussion among political observers.
Government Follow-up and Information Requirements
The push for including first-floor residents gained momentum when Mumbai Suburban guardian minister Ashish Shelar conducted a review meeting in June, directing officials to prepare a proposal for the state cabinet. Following this, the housing department communicated with SRA in September regarding the matter.
Due to delayed response from SRA, the housing department, which operates under Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, recently issued another reminder to SRA CEO Mahendra Kalyankar. The department's communication specifically seeks detailed information on several critical aspects:
- The number of first-floor chawl tenants rehabilitated in Maharashtra so far
- Availability of survey data regarding first-floor residents in slum areas
- Budgetary provisions allocated for such rehabilitation schemes
- Comprehensive assessment of financial liabilities for the state government
Mishra further highlighted that "housing for all is the Prime Minister's dream" and expressed confidence that the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government has demonstrated positive intent toward this initiative. The outcome of this financial assessment will likely determine the fate of thousands of Mumbai residents awaiting housing security.
