July 15, 2025: In a major push to revive long-stalled slum rehabilitation projects, the Maharashtra government has enacted the Maharashtra Slum Act 2025, granting enhanced powers to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA). The move is aimed at unlocking the allocation of nearly two lakh homes stuck in limbo since the scheme’s inception in 1995.
The reform empowers the SRA CEO to take decisive action against defaulting developers, including recovering unpaid transit rent by attaching their assets—treating such dues as land revenue arrears. The eviction notice period for occupants has also been halved from 120 days to 60 days, introducing stricter accountability for timely project execution.
The original slum rehabilitation model, while ambitious in its intent to make Mumbai slum-free, has been hampered by poor implementation, unqualified developers, and prolonged disputes over beneficiary eligibility. These delays have left thousands of residents in unstable, temporary housing.
Under the revised policy, public agencies such as MHADA and MMRDA have been authorised to step in and complete stalled projects, with 228 projects already reassigned. This could directly benefit over 2.18 lakh residents awaiting permanent housing.
In a significant clarification, the policy now defines eligibility for slum rehabilitation, covering all dwellings occupied before January 1, 2011. It also addresses financial backlogs, targeting recovery of Rs 1,400 crore in rent arrears accumulated over the years.
The reforms reflect a broader strategy focused on public-private partnerships, institutional accountability, and sustainable urban development. By combining stricter governance with greater inclusivity, the state hopes to ensure timely delivery of homes and move closer to a fairer, slum-free Mumbai.
Source: The Free Press Journal
