CM plans to start work of 15L homes

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government is planning to start work of 15 lakh homes by joint venture with private landowners under the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (PMAY), the Centre’s flagship scheme of providing low-cost homes to the urban poor, housing minister Prakash Mehta said, “Mhada will collaborate with private landowners for the construction of low cost homes. After failing to achieve the target in urban areas under this scheme, considering the upcoming elections, Mr Fadnavis has approved the new joint venture initiative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced home for all till 2022 under the flagship scheme and Maharashtra is achieving the targets in rural areas. But in urban area, especially in Mumbai Metropolitan region (MMR) and Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad like cities, construction work of even one-lakh homes could have not started in last 2-3 years. Almost 23 lakh people demanded homes across the state.

Private landowners having more than 10 acres of land are eligible to participate in the scheme. The Mhada will construct houses for economically weaker sections and lower income groups. Of the total housing units, 35 per cent will be given to landowners and 65 per cent to Mhada, Mr Mehta said.

“The landowners will have the option to take the housing stock or cash,” an official in the housing department said.