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Earlier this week, Maharashtra unveiled a transformative housing policy aimed at addressing the housing needs of low-income groups, senior citizens, women, industrial workers, and students with an ambitious INR 70,000 crore investment. The policy, framed under the slogan 'My Home My Right', promises inclusive, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions spanning slum rehabilitation to redevelopment. It introduces a centralised AI-driven portal 'Maha Awaas' for transparency and coordination, creation of land banks, promotion of green buildings, and dedicated redevelopment support. The initiative aligns with broader economic goals, aiming to provide 3.5 million homes by 2030, while reinforcing the state's vision for sustainable urban and rural development.
The Maharashtra government recently announced a comprehensive new housing policy, encompassing a broad spectrum from slum rehabilitation to redevelopment, backed by an investment of INR 70,000 crore. The initiative primarily focuses on low-income groups and affordability, with special attention to senior citizens, women, industrial workers, and students. Advertisement
Following cabinet approval, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed to reporters that the policy is driven by the principle that housing is a fundamental right for the common man, captured by the motto 'My Home - My Right'. He highlighted the inclusive nature of the programme, which integrates affordable housing solutions for working women, senior citizens, and students, while addressing rental housing challenges and the creation of land banks.
For the first time since 2007, a dynamic, all-encompassing housing strategy has been formulated. Government land parcels will be systematically mapped and allocated for residential use, with sustainability and modern technology at the core of future developments. The policy also incentivises vertical slum redevelopment and projects under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).
Deputy Chief Minister and housing minister Eknath Shinde described the policy as revolutionary, aiming to not only provide affordable homes but also to stimulate the state's economy. He indicated that this comprehensive approach would transform urban development and housing sectors, with large-scale investments expected to contribute significantly towards Maharashtra's aspiration to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2032.
The State Housing Policy 2025 specifically targets the construction of 3.5 million homes for economically weaker and low-income groups by 2030, with tailored provisions for various segments, including journalists, persons with disabilities, and ex-servicemen.
Central to the policy is the creation of a centralised state housing portal, 'Maha Awaas', powered by artificial intelligence. This platform will manage housing demand and supply data, geo-tag housing units, track fund allocation, and integrate with key systems such as MahaRERA, MahaBhulekh, and PM Gati Shakti.
In collaboration with departments like revenue, forest, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and water resources, a state-wide land bank of government-owned residential plots is set to be developed by 2026. Notably, the policy endorses development near employment hubs, especially industrial zones, reflecting the Prime Minister's 'walk-to-work' vision by earmarking 10 to 30 per cent of MIDC's reserved land for residential use.
Acknowledging the rapid urbanisation across the state, all metropolitan development authorities, beyond just those overseeing populations above one million, are mandated to implement inclusive housing schemes.
A dedicated self-redevelopment cell will be established to support housing societies through planning, funding, developer selection, and execution, with an initial allocation of INR 2,000 crore. The policy strongly promotes green building practices, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-resilient construction techniques.
Additionally, the use of central government land for slum rehabilitation projects is envisaged through joint collaboration between central agencies and the SRA. Emphasis is placed on IT-based transparency, real-time monitoring, and accountability to ensure effective tracking of beneficiaries, project progress, and fund utilisation.
To accelerate stalled slum rehabilitation schemes, the policy introduces a transparent bidding process to select new developers, aiming to eliminate delays and malpractices entirely.
The ambitious goal of building 3.5 million homes highlights the government's commitment to addressing chronic housing shortages while aligning with broader economic aspirations. This approach not only prioritises the vulnerable and marginalised sections but also champions environmentally conscious urban growth, potentially serving as a blueprint for other states striving to balance development with sustainability.
Source - PTI
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