How Will Mumbai's Stalled Slum Redevelopment Projects Be Accelerated?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 517 slum redevelopment projects are currently stalled in Mumbai.
- The government has initiated the 'Abhay Yojana' to expedite these projects.
- Over 25,000 slum dwellers could benefit from new developers being appointed.
- A partnership has been formed between the SRA and seven government organizations.
- The 'Mahajyoti' schemes aim to assist 70,000 students this year.
Mumbai, July 10 (NationPress) The Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai announced in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly that a forthcoming meeting will be convened under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to discuss the acceleration of the halted slum redevelopment initiatives in Mumbai.
In response to a query from Tamil Selvan regarding the Sion Koliwada slum redevelopment project, other members, including Anant Nar and Murji Patel, also urged for the swift implementation of stalled redevelopment projects across Mumbai.
Desai highlighted that there are currently 517 slum redevelopment projects managed by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in the Brihanmumbai region that have encountered delays for various reasons. He emphasized that the government, along with relevant authorities, has initiated numerous measures to expedite these projects.
The minister mentioned the introduction of the 'Abhay Yojana' for these stalled initiatives, which has resulted in the appointment of new developers for 23 projects, facilitating benefits for over 25,000 slum residents.
Furthermore, Minister Desai stated that to enhance the momentum of these slum redevelopment efforts, a collaboration has been established between the SRA and seven governmental organizations/corporations, including CIDCO, MHADA, MIDC, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, MMRDA, MSRDC, and MAHAPREIT.
In a separate update, Atul Save, Minister of Other Backward Classes Welfare, informed the Legislative Council about the government's dedication to the welfare of Other Backward Classes in the state. He requested an additional allocation of Rs 203 crore for the effective execution of the 'Mahajyoti' schemes while responding to a motion from Abhijit Vanjani.
He noted that Rs 174 crore has been sanctioned for the 'Mahajyoti' building project in Nashik and Rs 29 crore for Nagpur, with work already ongoing in Nashik and the Nagpur project set to be inaugurated shortly. Last year, 20,000 beneficiaries were aided through a fund of Rs 200 crore.
This year, the goal is to assist at least 70,000 students, prioritizing 50 percent women in the training program. Last year, 28 students successfully passed the UPSC exams thanks to 'Mahajyoti' training, demonstrating the effective implementation of all associated schemes.