Maharashtra Minister Calls for Talks on Including First-Floor Slum Dwellers in SRA Rehabilitation
In a significant development for Mumbai's urban landscape, Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai stated on Thursday that discussions will be initiated with the chief minister and deputy chief ministers regarding the demand to include first-floor slum dwellers in rehabilitation programs under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes. This move aims to address a critical gap in current policies that have long excluded residents living on upper floors of slum structures.
Current Policy and Its Limitations
Under the existing rules, only ground-floor structures are officially recognized and numbered for eligibility in SRA projects, as highlighted by Desai during a state assembly session. This exclusion has sparked concerns among members, who argued that many residents have been living on first floors for decades, and their omission hinders the goal of achieving a slum-free Mumbai. The issue was raised during the question hour, with several assembly members emphasizing that excluding these occupants makes comprehensive rehabilitation efforts difficult.
Proposed Changes and Government Response
Desai clarified that any potential policy change, such as considering 'one plus one' structures (ground plus first floor), would require thorough discussions with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and both deputy chief ministers. He assured that the urban development department, headed by Deputy CM Shinde, will present the factual situation and take further action based on directives from the leadership. The minister stressed that the government is committed to expediting this process to address the concerns at the earliest.
Legal Implications and Builder Agreements
Addressing concerns about builders allegedly entering into agreements with first-floor occupants despite the policy not recognizing them, Desai warned that such agreements are not legally enforceable if they violate existing laws. "Ignorance of the law cannot be an excuse. If agreements are executed in violation of the law, they are non-binding," he stated. He added that if specific details of such cases are submitted to the government, the department will examine them to ensure compliance and fairness.
Assembly Intervention and Future Steps
During the discussion, Speaker Rahul Narwekar intervened, directing that suggestions from members about including first-floor occupants be officially recorded and presented to the government for consideration. Desai confirmed that the government will compile these views and the current situation to present before the chief minister and deputy chief ministers. This step is seen as crucial for moving towards a more inclusive rehabilitation framework that could benefit thousands of marginalized families in Mumbai.
The push for policy revision comes amid growing calls for equitable urban development, with stakeholders advocating for a holistic approach to slum rehabilitation that acknowledges the realities of multi-story living in densely populated areas like Mumbai.
