Maharashtra Govt Plans Affordable Housing Policy for Working Women, Seniors & Students

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Wednesday that the state government is working on a new MHADA policy to offer affordable housing for working women, senior citizens, and students.

He also mentioned the government’s initiative to eliminate slums in Mumbai, speaking to reporters after the lottery draw for the Pune Housing and Area Development Board (PHADB) at the Thane district collectorate.

The new MHADA policy will include provisions for affordable housing, rental housing, and special housing options for working women, senior citizens, and students, with hostels included.

"Owning a home is a dream for many, but high prices often make it out of reach. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is committed to making housing affordable for everyone," said Shinde, who also serves as the Housing Minister.

Regarding the delays in redevelopment projects across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and other cities, Shinde stated that various government agencies, such as MHADA, Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), and City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), are collaborating to speed up these stalled projects.

He highlighted a major redevelopment project in Chembur, which will build 17,000 houses under the SRA and MMRDA, setting a benchmark for resolving long-standing slum rehabilitation and redevelopment plans.

Shinde reaffirmed that the vision of a slum-free Mumbai would soon be realized, allowing people who had left the city due to housing challenges to return. He emphasized that ensuring high quality and timely completion of housing projects was a top priority.

"Housing is a lifelong dream, and we will ensure there is no compromise on quality," he concluded.