Empowering Transparency: IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal Leads MHADA’s 14th Lokshahi Din with Swift and Accountable Governance

In a significant demonstration of citizen-centric governance, IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), presided over the 14th Lokshahi Din (Democracy Day) at the Housing Building in Bandra (East), Mumbai, on October 13, 2025. The session exemplified MHADA’s commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and timely redressal — cornerstones of effective public administration in Maharashtra’s evolving urban landscape.

At this edition of Lokshahi Din, nine citizen applications were heard from across MHADA’s regional boards — including four from the Mumbai Repair and Reconstruction Board, three from the Konkan Board, and two from the Mumbai Board. The initiative reflects MHADA’s consistent efforts under Jaiswal’s leadership to transform bureaucratic responsiveness into a structured and empathetic problem-solving framework for citizens.

A Model for Transparent and Time-Bound Governance

Lokshahi Din, a participatory governance initiative, continues to act as a bridge between citizens and the administration. Under IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal’s stewardship, the forum has evolved into an instrument of accountability and transparency — ensuring that no citizen grievance remains unheard or unresolved for long. The October session showcased how direct hearings can translate administrative intent into actionable outcomes within hours.

In one notable case, Smt. Sunita Cheulkar sought transfer of a transit tenement (gala) at Kannamwar Nagar, Vikhroli, which had been occupied by her late sister’s husband. After reviewing the facts, Jaiswal directed the Mumbai Building Repair and Reconstruction Board to issue a notice within 24 hours, vacate the unit under police protection, and hand over possession to the rightful applicant before Diwali. This decisive action reinforced MHADA’s stance on protecting citizens’ legitimate rights through lawful and humane interventions.
 

Administrative Responsiveness with a Human Touch

In another instance, Shri Swapnil Nikam requested possession of a transit accommodation. Jaiswal instructed officials to process the request upon submission of a required guarantee letter and clearance of outstanding rent dues — ensuring both compliance and compassion in the decision-making process.

Similarly, Smt. Shaila Khandare, who had applied to include her mother’s name in Annexure-II for eligibility in the Indiranagar Cooperative Housing Society’s slum redevelopment project in Andheri, received prompt administrative attention. Mumbai Board’s Land Manager, Shri Redekar, proactively scheduled her hearing for October 14, 2025, a move that Jaiswal acknowledged and praised as an example of timely administrative diligence.
 

Building Public Trust Through Accountable Leadership
 

Each Lokshahi Din under IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal’s leadership underscores MHADA’s larger vision — to blend administrative efficiency with social responsibility. The transparent hearing process does more than resolve grievances; it strengthens public trust in governance by making the system accessible, empathetic, and results-oriented.

In an era when citizens often seek quicker digital or institutional redress, MHADA’s Lokshahi Din reaffirms the importance of in-person governance — where dialogue, empathy, and prompt decisions form the foundation of public service. Jaiswal’s approach demonstrates how a government agency can balance procedural integrity with compassion, making governance both efficient and humane.

Upholding Credibility and Public Awareness

The initiative also highlights the importance of citizens verifying information and submitting documents through official MHADA channels to ensure transparency and avoid misinformation. By encouraging responsible civic participation, MHADA continues to build a model for open governance in India’s urban development sector.
 

Towards an Inclusive Urban Future

The 14th Lokshahi Din marks another step forward in MHADA’s mission to ensure housing justice and administrative accountability. With more than nine cases resolved or acted upon in a single session, the event reaffirmed that good governance is not merely about policy — it is about consistent, human-centered action.

Under IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal’s leadership, MHADA’s Lokshahi Din has evolved from a procedural event into a symbol of participatory democracy, reinforcing the values of transparency, responsiveness, and equity that form the bedrock of a progressive Maharashtra.