In a significant relief for thousands of residents living in unauthorised slum homes in Ulhasnagar, the Maharashtra government has officially constituted a special constituency-level review committee to process the regularisation of residential structures existing before January 1, 2011.
Government Resolution and Policy
The committee was formed through a government resolution issued under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, following the state government's policy decision to regularise residential encroachments on government land subject to specific terms and conditions. According to the order, the policy applies to residential encroachments existing till January 1, 2011, and aims to provide legal protection to long-standing homes occupied by economically weaker and lower-income families across the state.
Committee Composition and Leadership
For the Ulhasnagar Assembly constituency, MLA Kumar Ailani has been appointed chairman of the Vidhansabha Kshetrastriya Aadhava Samiti (Assembly Constituency-Level Review Committee). The committee has been tasked with reviewing and monitoring the implementation of the regularisation policy at the constituency level. As per the government resolution, the committee members include:
- Tahsildar of Ulhasnagar
- Town Planning Officer
- Assistant Commissioner of Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation
- Deputy Engineer of MSEDCL
- Sub-Divisional Officer of Ulhasnagar division, who will serve as the member secretary
Roles and Responsibilities
Officials said the committee will periodically review pending cases and oversee the implementation process in accordance with the provisions laid down in the government resolution. The panel has also been directed to submit progress reports to the district administration and the guardian minister.
Impact on Residents
The move is expected to bring major relief to residents living in old chawls, slum settlements and other residential structures that have remained unauthorised for decades despite being occupied by families for generations. Residents and local housing rights groups have welcomed the decision, saying the formation of the committee has raised hopes of finally securing legal recognition for thousands of homes in Ulhasnagar.
