Four years post launch, affordable housing project back on track: CM

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, on Wednesday, assured the legislative council that the affordable rental housing project, first proposed in 2008, was on track.

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, on Wednesday, assured the legislative council that the affordable rental housing project, first proposed in 2008, was on track.

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“There were several hurdles that delayed the project,” Chavan said on Wednesday. “But now we are on track. We have 17 projects in progress, which will provide 37,000 homes. Also, 91 proposals are waiting to be scrutinised,” the chief minister added.

Chavan was replying to a question raised by NCP legislator Vidya Chavan, who pointed out that as many as 65 lakh people were living in Mumbai's slums, and that affordable housing schemes were needed urgently. “Rental housing might be the only solution for slum dwellers who cannot afford their own houses anymore,” she said.

The chief minister said the government was figuring out allocation of plots, floor space index to be granted and the size of the homes.” We got a report prepared by a subcommittee on June 5, which gives a clear picture of the way ahead,” the chief minister said. “The 41 proposals that have got a go-ahead will create 89,000 homes to be given out on affordable rent.”

Officials of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said each of the flats would have a carpet area of 320 sq ft. The rent would vary between Rs800 to Rs 1,500 per month, depending on the location. However, the Opposition remained skeptical of the government's efforts. BJP legislator and opposition leader Vinod Tawde said there is lack of awareness of the scheme among the implementing authorities, which could delay the project further.