The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has commenced a biometric survey across transit camps in Mumbai and its suburbs to authenticate the residency status of tenants. The initiative, overseen by the MHADA Mumbai Building Repairs & Redevelopment Board, aims to streamline the rehabilitation process and ensure transparency in government housing policies.
On the first day of the survey, 195 residents from the Sahakar Nagar transit camp in Chembur successfully completed their biometric registration. MHADA manages 34 transit camps across the city and suburbs, and this verification process will gradually cover all of them.
As per a government resolution dated September 13, 2019, transit camp residents are classified into three categories: Original residents officially relocated to transit camps, residents who have acquired tenancy rights through legal means, such as a power of attorney and unauthorised occupants who have taken possession of units without proper approval.
The biometric verification process cross-checks residents’ Aadhaar details using an e-KYC authentication system. This will help identify authorised tenants and detect unauthorised occupants. The initiative has seen strong participation, with growing resident engagement.
Following requests from Sahakar Nagar residents, the survey will continue there on February 11, 2025. From February 12 to 17, the initiative will move to Bimbisar Nagar in Goregaon (East) before expanding to other transit camps and rental housing societies.
By conducting this biometric survey, MHADA aims to validate tenancy records, facilitate fair rehabilitation for eligible residents, and maintain accountability in housing allocation.
Source: The Free Press Journal
