MHADA Mill Workers Housing Plan Sees Limited Developer Response as Search Continues for Affordable Homes

Only One Developer Submits Proposal for Mill Workers Housing Project

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is continuing efforts to find a practical housing solution for more than one lakh mill workers and their legal heirs who are still waiting for homes.

The Mumbai Board of MHADA had invited expressions of interest from private developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to develop housing for eligible mill workers and their families. The plan was aimed at creating additional housing at suitable locations across the region.

However, the tender received a limited response, with only one private developer submitting a proposal. The proposal has also faced opposition from mill workers and their representatives, making the next step important for MHADA and the state government.

More Than 2.5 Lakh Applications Received Under Housing Scheme

Thousands of mill workers and their heirs have been affected by the long-standing housing issue following the historic mill strike. Under various rehabilitation initiatives, around 2.5 lakh applications have been submitted to MHADA.

So far, nearly 16,000 eligible workers and heirs have received homes. MHADA is also expected to provide housing to another 8,000 to 10,000 beneficiaries through ongoing efforts.

Despite this progress, a large number of applicants are still waiting for a permanent housing solution. This has kept the demand for new and suitable housing projects high.

Earlier Plan for 81,000 Homes Faces Opposition

The government had earlier planned to develop around 81,000 homes for mill workers at Vangani and Shelu. However, several worker groups and organizations raised concerns about the proposed locations and developer.

With that plan facing difficulties, MHADA began looking for other options that could help move the housing program forward.

The latest tender invited proposals for housing projects on land measuring at least one acre in areas including Borivali, Thane, Mira-Bhayander and Ulwe.

Chadha Developers Proposal Draws Objections

Chadha Developers was the only developer to submit a proposal under the latest tender. However, representatives of mill workers have expressed strong objections to the proposal.

Worker groups have previously opposed the developer's proposed project involving around 51,000 homes at Vangani. They have also raised concerns regarding allegations of financial irregularities involving the developer.

Mill worker representatives have asked the government to review the proposal and consider withdrawing it. Praveen Yerunkar, an office bearer of the Mill Workers Struggle Committee, said workers want the proposal canceled and a suitable alternative to be considered.

MHADA to Review Proposal and Site

Since the deadline for the tender has not been extended, the proposal is expected to go through the next stage of evaluation. MHADA officials are likely to inspect the proposed site before deciding how to proceed.

MHADA Vice President and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal and the authority's officials continue to face the important task of balancing the housing needs of eligible mill workers with concerns raised by their representatives.

The site assessment and further review could help determine whether the proposal is suitable or whether another approach will be needed.

Search for a Better Housing Solution Continues

The limited response to the tender highlights the need for a practical and widely supported model to provide homes to the remaining mill workers and their heirs.

MHADA and the state government may now need to explore additional developers, locations and development models to expand housing opportunities for eligible beneficiaries.

For thousands of mill workers and their families, the focus remains on finding affordable homes at locations that are acceptable, accessible and suitable for long-term living. The ongoing review is expected to help authorities identify a path that can bring the housing program closer to its goal.