Maharashtra is examining the inclusion of first floor slum residents in Mumbai’s SRA rehabilitation plans. Under current rules, only ground floor occupants are formally recognised and eligible for redevelopment benefits. This has left a considerable number of families living on upper floors without official rehabilitation support, despite residing there for decades.

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State minister Shambhuraj Desai said discussions will be held with the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers to consider revising the rules. He explained that any changes, such as recognising “one plus one” or multi level structures, would need approval from top leadership and guidance from the Urban Development Department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

During a state assembly session, several members stressed that excluding first floor residents could make achieving a slum free Mumbai more difficult. They pointed out that many families have occupied these floors for years without formal recognition, highlighting a gap in existing policies.

Concerns were also raised about builders entering informal agreements with first floor occupants. Desai clarified that such agreements are not legally enforceable if they contradict existing laws. He added that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse and that any specific cases submitted to the government will be carefully examined before action is taken.

Speaker Rahul Narwekar directed that suggestions regarding first floor tenants be formally recorded and submitted to the government for consideration. Desai said the government aims to present these views to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers promptly and complete the review process at the earliest.

Officials emphasised that including first floor residents could make rehabilitation programs more equitable and ensure that long-standing residents benefit from redevelopment efforts. This step reflects a broader effort to align urban housing policies with the realities of informal settlements in Mumbai.

Source PTI

FAQ

1. Why is Maharashtra reviewing first?floor slum rehabilitation in Mumbai?

Currently, only ground-floor slum occupants are eligible for benefits under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes. Many families living on first floors for decades have been excluded, creating a gap in urban housing policies. The state is reviewing their inclusion to make rehabilitation programs more equitable and comprehensive.

2. Who is involved in the decision-making process?

State Minister Shambhuraj Desai confirmed that the matter will be discussed with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, along with guidance from the Urban Development Department, which is headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

3. What are the main challenges with first-floor occupants under current rules?

• Legal recognition: Only ground-floor residents are formally recognised, leaving upper-floor residents without legal rehabilitation rights.
  
   


• Informal agreements: Builders sometimes enter agreements with first-floor residents, but these are not legally enforceable under existing laws.
  
   


• Policy gaps: Excluding these families could hinder the state’s goal of achieving a slum-free Mumbai.
  
   

4. How will suggestions from lawmakers be handled?

During a state assembly session, lawmakers highlighted the need to include first-floor residents. Speaker Rahul Narwekar instructed that all suggestions be formally recorded and submitted to the government. Officials aim to review and present these views promptly to top leadership for final decision-making.

5. What potential changes are being considered for rehabilitation programs?

Officials are exploring the recognition of “one plus one” or multi-level structures, which would formally include first-floor occupants in redevelopment plans. Any such changes would require government approval and alignment with legal frameworks.

6. Why is this review significant for Mumbai’s housing policy?

Including first-floor residents would make SRA schemes more inclusive, ensuring that long-standing residents benefit from redevelopment. This review reflects a broader effort to align urban housing policies with the realities of informal settlements in Mumbai and promote equitable urban development.