Shiv Sena MLA asks why government resolution on housing policy not issued

The new housing policy announced by the state government last month that witnessed the presence of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, is now being questioned by the latter’s party. Shiv Sena MLA Mangesh Kudalkar has shot a letter to Mr Fadnavis and housing minister Prakash Mehta expressing displeasure over no issuance of a government resolution (GR).

“The housing policy for the redevelopment of Maharashtra Housing and Development Authority (Mhada) colonies was announced on September 2. However, a month has passed and the state housing department is yet to issue a GR. Due to this, the redevelopment work of the colonies is stuck,” the letter reads.

“My letter to both Mr Mehta and Mr Fadnavis was just a reminder to speed up the process of the GR issuance. It would avoid hindrances to creep up as the Model Code of Conduct would come into place due to the BMC polls,” said Mr Kudalkar on Friday.

On why he did not write to Mr Thackeray and minister of state (housing) Ravindra Waikar, who announced the housing policy, Mr Kudalkar said, “The letter is just a reminder and one should not read more than that into it. However, I have verbally reminded the Shiv Sena leaders about issuing the GR.”

The announcement of the housing policy has to be followed up with the announcement of guidelines by means of GR, after which the state administration is to follow up. Meanwhile, S.S. Zende, chief executive officer, Mhada, said, “I am told that the housing department would issue the GR on the housing policy by October-end. Subsequently, Mhada administration would implement it.”