MUMBAI: The state government has requested a report from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) about allowing slumdwellers on the first floor of chawls to qualify for free or affordable housing.
Officials from the housing department noted that the finance department is seeking detailed information on the potential financial implications for the government if concessions or exemptions are granted to developers to include first-floor slumdwellers in housing schemes.
“The SRA must promptly address the finance department’s inquiries. Once that is accomplished, the matter will be presented to the state cabinet for approval, leading to the issuance of a government resolution (GR),” stated former BJP corporator Vinod Mishra, who initially advocated for the rehabilitation of first-floor slumdwellers.
If the GR is enacted, observers suggest it may be perceived as a strategy by the BJP to attract voters in Mumbai ahead of the BMC elections.
Currently, in SRA initiatives, only families residing on the ground floor of slums qualify for free housing or benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) by paying Rs 2.5 lakh. Those on the first floor remain ineligible, even if they have lived there since before 2000. A GR issued in 2023 set the cost for post-2000 beneficiaries at Rs 2.5 lakh, reflecting estimated construction expenses.
The BJP has been advocating for first-floor slumdwellers in hutments to gain access to free or affordable housing, but it appears that the SRA and government agencies are lagging in their response to this proposal.
In response to Mishra’s request, Mumbai Suburban guardian minister Ashish Shelar conducted a review meeting in June, directing officials to prepare a proposal for the state cabinet. In September, the housing department contacted the SRA regarding the matter. Following a lack of response, a subsequent reminder was issued by the department, led by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.
“We need comprehensive details on the direct or indirect financial burden the state government may incur if any concessions or exemptions are extended to developers. Additionally, we require information on how many first-floor chawl residents have been rehabilitated thus far, and whether a survey has been conducted to evaluate the needs of these residents under SRA schemes. Information regarding the budgetary provision for such a scheme is also necessary,” the housing department stated to SRA CEO Mahendra Kalyankar.
Mishra emphasized that housing for all is the Prime Minister’s vision, and the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government appears committed to this initiative.
