Patkar threatens to go on hunger strike

Medha Patkar who began a protest rally at Azad Maidan on Tuesday against government inaction regarding slum dwellers’ issues, decided to end the protest. However, Patkar said she would go on a hunger strike from May 2 if the demands were not considered. Pooja Domadia reports.

Medha Patkar who began a protest rally at Azad Maidan on Tuesday against government inaction regarding slum dwellers’ issues, decided to end the protest. However, Patkar said she would go on a hunger strike from May 2 if the demands were not considered. “We will go on an indefinite hunger strike if no firm action is taken till May 1,” said Patkar.

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Meanwhile, a group of slum dwellers led by social activist Simpreet Singh met state chief secretary Ratnakar Gaikwad on Wednesday. “Gaikwad responded positively and assured speedy action,” said social activist Simpreet Singh.

Their main demand was to implement the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) in Mumbai.

Slum dwellers want RAY to be implemented because currently, the slum rehabilitation scheme under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority considers January 1, 1995 as the cut-off date. This means residents who began living in slums post this date are declared ‘ineligible’ to get permanent accommodation. RAY does not consider a cut-off date.

Sanjay Nirupam, Member of Parliament visited the protest at Azad Maidan and assured them of his support. “Nirupam agreed that cut-off dates should not be considered while giving homes to slum dwellers,” said Singh.