In a significant stride towards a slum-free North Mumbai, 149 families from the Jai Santoshi Maa Housing Society in Kandivali were handed keys to their new homes under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme. Union Commerce and Industry Minister and North Mumbai MP, Piyush Goyal, led the handover ceremony, using the occasion to issue a stern message to builders and officials delaying such redevelopment projects.
Addressing residents and dignitaries, Goyal asserted that true development goes beyond economic statistics. “It begins with ensuring every citizen has a safe, permanent, and dignified home,” he said, adding that until the most marginalised person lives with self-respect and security, the nation’s development remains incomplete.
Goyal lauded the developer responsible for the timely completion and quality execution of the project but made it clear that the government would not tolerate negligence or corruption in the SRA process. He warned that builders who abandon projects, cease rent payments, or deliver substandard work would be blacklisted and, in serious cases, face imprisonment. He also demanded strict action against government officials who enable such misconduct through collusion.
Stressing the need for transparency, Goyal underscored that beneficiaries of SRA schemes must have the freedom to choose their developers without political or bureaucratic interference. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s ambitious goal to provide housing for all, revealing that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, three crore families across India will receive free pucca homes in the next five years. “No Indian should be left behind in the journey towards a developed and self-reliant nation,” he added.
Kandivali MLA Yogesh Sagar, developer Rashmin Rugani, chief promoter Amit Yadav, and SRA official Swapna Deshpande were present at the handover ceremony.
On a separate note, Goyal responded strongly to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, asserting that justice would be swift and uncompromising. “Those responsible will face justice so severe that no enemy will ever dare look at Bharat with ill intent again,” he said. Goyal also criticised individuals such as Robert Vadra, who allegedly appeared in videos providing shelter to those threatening national security. He condemned those who attempted to communalise the tragedy, stating, “All 1.4 billion Indians stand united with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the fight against terrorism. India will neither forgive nor forget.”
Source: Construction World
