Will the Government Act Against Builders Denying Homes to Marathi People?
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Minister Shambhuraj Desai has announced significant actions against builders who refuse to sell homes to Marathi individuals. Amid protests advocating for the Marathi language and rights, the government is poised to ensure housing equity in Mumbai. This bold move marks a critical juncture in the ongoing battle for linguistic and cultural rights in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra government pledges to protect housing rights for Marathi people.
- Builders will face strict actions for housing discrimination.
- Ongoing protests highlight the need for linguistic rights.
- Demand for 50% housing reservation for Marathi individuals in new projects.
- Minister Desai emphasizes the importance of equity in housing.
Mumbai, July 10 (NationPress) Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai declared on Thursday during a session in the state council that the government will implement strict measures against builders who refuse to provide housing to Marathi individuals in their residential projects in Mumbai.
This declaration arises amidst a persistent protest spearheaded by the Shiv Sena-UBT, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and Marathi Ekikaran Samiti, which advocates for the further advancement of the Marathi language while vehemently opposing the imposition of Hindi from grades one to five.
The matter was raised by Shiv Sena-UBT legislator Milind Narvekar, who insisted that the government should formulate legislation to impose severe penalties on builders and developers who deny homes to Marathi residents in Mumbai.
Narvekar highlighted numerous instances where Marathi individuals were refused housing based on language and social biases.
He called for a mandate that 50 percent of new housing units in Mumbai be allocated for Marathi people.
In response, Minister Desai noted that the Housing Department had not received any complaints from the Parle Pancham organization.
However, he acknowledged Narvekar's claims and stated, “Action will be taken against the builder in question.”
Minister Desai emphasized, “No one in Mumbai or Maharashtra has the right to deny housing to a Marathi person. If we receive a complaint about housing discrimination, the Mahayuti government will act decisively against the builders and developers involved. In Maharashtra and Mumbai, the primary right belongs to the Marathi community. Mumbai is home to Marathi people, and their rights will not be overlooked.”
BJP legislator Chitra Wagh queried whether the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government had considered a law for reserving 50 percent of housing for Marathi people.
Minister Desai responded that no such legislation was proposed at that time, and no demand was made for it.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the cultural significance of this announcement. The Maharashtra government's commitment to protecting the rights of Marathi individuals in housing reflects a broader trend of advocating for regional languages and identities. Ensuring equitable access to housing not only addresses immediate concerns but also fosters a sense of belonging and identity within the community.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions will the Maharashtra government take against builders?
The Maharashtra government will implement strict measures against builders who deny homes to Marathi individuals, ensuring that housing discrimination is addressed.
Why is there a demand for housing reservations for Marathi people?
The demand for housing reservations arises from concerns over linguistic and cultural rights, ensuring that Marathi individuals have equitable access to housing in Mumbai.
What prompted this announcement by Minister Shambhuraj Desai?
The announcement was prompted by ongoing protests advocating for the Marathi language and rights, highlighting discrimination against Marathi residents in housing.
