Nagpur, Dec 13 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared on Saturday during a session in the Legislative Council that the prices set by the state-operated City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for different housing categories in Navi Mumbai will see a reduction of 10 percent. This adjustment means CIDCO homes will become more affordable, offering relief to ordinary citizens who dream of owning a home in the Navi Mumbai area.

Shinde noted that CIDCO has built approximately 17,000 houses across various nodes in Navi Mumbai, including Kharghar, Vashi, Kharkopar, Taloja, Ulve, Kalamboli, Kamothe, and Panvel.

He informed the assembly that the lottery process for house allotment is expected to be finalized within the following two months. Shinde emphasized that this price reduction aims to lighten the financial strain on buyers and promote broader access to affordable housing.

The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that the 10 percent price cut will specifically benefit homes under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low Income Group (LIG) categories.

He mentioned that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Housing for All” and will assist citizens in securing quality housing at reasonable prices.

Additionally, Shinde announced that the state government has committed to providing immediate housing solutions for senior citizens and ensuring sufficient housing availability for this demographic.

He noted that the government has established a policy to cater housing to economically disadvantaged groups, including mill workers, dabbawalas, and Mathadis. To ensure timely housing for these populations, a significant housing inventory is essential, and plans are in motion to address this.

“The government plans to consolidate housing resources under various government initiatives to ensure timely allotment to all these groups based on a planned and prioritized approach. This housing stock will incorporate provisions under schemes like Development Control Regulation (DCR) 33(7), 33(9), and 33(12B) in Mumbai, alongside state-level initiatives like Inclusive Housing and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY),” Shinde stated.

Furthermore, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted issues of encroachment on mangrove areas, underscoring the importance of preserving these ecosystems. In this context, the government is contemplating the introduction of green Transferable Development Rights (TDR) as part of its environmental conservation efforts.