The Maharashtra government has announced preparations for a landmark policy revision that would extend slum rehabilitation benefits to first-floor residents of chawls, addressing a long-standing exclusion in urban redevelopment schemes. State officials confirmed that the proposed changes aim to bring equity to tenants residing above ground level in old, deteriorating buildings eligible for redevelopment.

Current Policy Creates Disparities

Under the existing Slum Rehabilitation Authority framework, only ground-floor occupants in slum-notified structures and chawls qualify for free rehabilitation housing. This restriction has generated legal ambiguities and widespread discontent among first-floor residents who remain excluded from redevelopment benefits.

Housing department officials revealed that the draft notification is approaching its final stages and will soon be made available for public feedback. The proposed policy revision would recognize first-floor chawl dwellers as eligible beneficiaries, subject to meeting specific documentation and residency requirements.

Thousands of Families Could Benefit

Implementation of this policy change could impact thousands of families living in vertical slum layouts across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and other urban regions in Maharashtra. Redevelopment experts and housing activists have expressed support for the initiative, stating it could accelerate stalled SRA projects and enhance living standards for a significant underserved population segment.

The move represents a significant step toward inclusive urban redevelopment in Maharashtra's aging housing stock. Industry observers note that the policy revision aligns with the state's broader efforts to address housing disparities in urban areas.

Mysuru Corporation Introduces Weekly Digital Property Documentation Drive

The Mysuru City Corporation has launched a weekly 'E-Khata Abhiyan' initiative to address persistent delays in property record processing and streamline digital documentation services across the city. Officials announced that the program will operate every Friday, prioritizing pending e-Khata applications and providing immediate resolution for document discrepancies.

Special Infrastructure for Citizen Services

The corporation has established dedicated help desks and verification counters across all nine MCC zones to assist property owners during the weekly drives. The initiative responds to public complaints regarding prolonged processing times for property mutation and ownership transfers.

By digitizing workflows and dedicating a specific day each week to clearing backlogs, civic officials expect to reduce pendency and improve citizen services significantly. Senior MCC officials emphasized that the 'E-Khata Abhiyan' will continue until all existing cases receive resolution.

Document Requirements and Process

Citizens have been encouraged to bring essential documents including sale deeds, tax receipts, and identification proof for expedited processing. The MCC's initiative aligns with broader goals of improving municipal governance through technology-driven services and enhancing transparency in property-related transactions.

The weekly campaign represents part of the corporation's commitment to modernizing property documentation processes and reducing bureaucratic delays that have historically affected property owners in the city.