Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai stated in the state Assembly that talks will be held with the chief minister and deputy chief ministers regarding the demand to consider first-floor slum residents for rehabilitation under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes in Mumbai. Currently, only ground floor structures are recognized for eligibility under SRA projects, Minister Desai explained during Question Hour. He mentioned that any changes, like considering ‘one plus one’ structures, would require discussions with the top officials.
Concerns were raised about builders making agreements with first-floor occupants despite the existing policy not acknowledging them. Minister Desai clarified that such agreements hold no legal weight if they go against the law. Speaker Rahul Narwekar directed that suggestions for including first-floor occupants be recorded and presented to the government for consideration.
In a separate development, Minister Jaykumar Gore informed the Legislative Council about actions taken against the Sarpanch of Khed Gram Panchayat in Satara district due to irregularities in local projects. An initial inspection flagged inconsistencies in developmental works, leading to an enquiry and subsequent suspension of the Village Development Officer. Formal Disqualification Proceedings against the Sarpanch have begun, with further actions pending Divisional Commissioner approval.
