Are 98,619 Mumbai Textile Mill Workers Eligible for Homes?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 98,619 textile mill workers are now eligible for housing in Mumbai.
- The initiative is part of a special campaign by MHADA.
- Homes are being provided for workers from closed and sick mills.
- A total of 15,870 homes have already been distributed.
- The government is focusing on affordable and sustainable housing solutions.
Mumbai, July 7 (NationPress) In a written response, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde revealed that, to date, 98,619 textile mill workers have qualified for housing in Mumbai due to a special initiative facilitated by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and the labor department.
This disclosure came while addressing a question posed by NCP legislator Rohit Pawar and other members of the state Assembly.
DyCM Shinde elaborated that on March 15, 2024, the government issued a resolution aimed at providing homes to workers from defunct and distressed textile mills within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The government has pledged that the housing developments in the MMR area will not only be affordable but will also feature essential amenities to guarantee a dignified lifestyle for the mill workers.
He indicated that, so far, 15,870 units have been allocated to textile mill workers—6,925 in 2012, 2,634 in 2016, 2,417 in 2016, and 3,894 in 2020.
Additionally, two developers have been chosen following the expression of interest process, with the high-power committee's approval for the construction of these homes. Online applications have been opened for textile mill workers since June 16, with 2,094 workers having submitted their requests so far.
The Deputy CM mentioned that the urban development department has commenced redeveloping 11 chawls located on the properties of nine National Textile Corporation mills.
Previously, Dy CM Shinde announced plans to construct one lakh homes for mill workers, instructing officials to ensure that the upcoming housing policy emphasizes affordable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly homes. He directed that a comprehensive policy be drafted within a month to facilitate the benefits of MHADA and the housing department's schemes and to expedite the delayed redevelopment projects in the city.