Mumbai, March 12 (NationPress) Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai announced in the state Assembly on Thursday that the government plans to hold talks with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers regarding the rehabilitation of first-floor slum dwellers under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) initiatives in Mumbai.

This announcement came in response to inquiries from various Assembly members who highlighted that numerous residents have been residing on the first floors of slum buildings for decades. They argued that ignoring this group would undermine the ambition of achieving a slum-free Mumbai.

Currently, the regulations only recognize structures on the ground floor for eligibility in SRA projects, as stated by Minister Desai during the Question Hour. He mentioned, “Any potential modifications, such as the inclusion of ‘one plus one’ structures, would require discussions with the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers. Once the factual situation is presented to them, the Urban Development Department, led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, will proceed based on their directives.”

Addressing concerns regarding builders who are allegedly forming agreements with first-floor residents despite their non-recognition in policy, he clarified that such agreements are not legally enforceable if they contradict existing laws. He emphasized, “Ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse. Agreements made in violation of the law are non-binding.” Furthermore, he assured that if specific cases are brought to the government's attention, the department will conduct an investigation.

During the exchange, Speaker Rahul Narwekar intervened, instructing that the suggestions proposed by members concerning the inclusion of first-floor occupants should be documented and submitted to the government for consideration.

Minister Desai confirmed that the government would present the situation and the perspectives shared by members to the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, aiming to expedite the process.

In another matter, Minister Jaykumar Gore informed the Legislative Council about the initiation of formal actions against the Sarpanch of Khed Gram Panchayat in Satara district due to reports of serious irregularities in local development projects, following a discussion initiated by member Shashikant Shinde.

Minister Gore explained that an initial inspection on January 28, 2023, revealed discrepancies in several developmental works. “On March 2, 2023, the Block Development Officer ordered an inquiry by Extension Officers, and a committee of Deputy Engineers was constituted for a technical assessment of the projects. The report submitted on May 5, 2023, indicated that 12 projects in Khed Gram Panchayat were executed without sanctioned budgets, technical approvals, or the essential tendering process,” he elaborated.

After discussions with the District Collector, a follow-up inquiry was carried out to evaluate the extent of the misconduct. “Consequently, the Chief Executive Officer has suspended the Village Development Officer. Formal Disqualification Proceedings against the Sarpanch have been initiated under the Gram Panchayat Act, and the proposal for additional actions has been forwarded to the Divisional Commissioner, with the first hearing already conducted,” he stated.

Minister Gore assured the Council that the Divisional Commissioner would be directed to resolve the matter promptly and ensure that all responsible parties face strict legal repercussions.