Maharashtra SRA Achieves Major Success with ₹1,100 Crore Recovery in Pending Builder Rent Through Legal Reforms

The Maharashtra Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has reported a significant policy achievement, having successfully recovered over ₹1,100 crore in outstanding rent payments from developers, marking a substantial increase in collections following recent legal amendments and the implementation of an amnesty scheme.

According to the latest figures released by the SRA, an impressive ₹982 crore was collected during a two-year period from August 2023 to October 2025, representing a dramatic surge when compared to the mere ₹120 crore recovered throughout the seven-year span between 2016 and August 2023.

Officials have confirmed that approximately ₹813 crore from the total recovered amount has already been distributed to slum tenants, with the balance scheduled for disbursement in the coming period.

Legal Empowerment: Recovery from Builders and Directors

The remarkable increase in rent recovery follows a July 2025 amendment to the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971. This legislative change has empowered the SRA to recover outstanding rent by attaching and selling properties belonging to builders, or even the personal assets of company directors or partners in cases where the firm possesses insufficient resources.

Since unpaid rent is now classified as arrears of land revenue, the authority has been equipped with enhanced legal powers to pursue aggressive action, including the auctioning of attached properties, to ensure that slum residents receive their rightful compensation.

Focus on Slum Tenants: Advance Rent, Faster Disbursement

SRA CEO Mahindra Kalyankar, who has been leading these reform efforts, emphasized the significance of Circular 210, which requires developers to deposit two years' worth of advance rent with the authority. This amount is subsequently transferred directly to eligible slum tenants.

Kalyankar stated that the authority has made substantial efforts to collect all outstanding rent from builders to prevent hardship for slum dwellers. He noted that while the SRA is accelerating slum redevelopment initiatives, there is a strong focus on tenant welfare and ensuring timely compensation, with the recent amendments representing a major advancement.

5 Lakh Homes by 2030: A Massive Redevelopment Push

The rent recovery initiative forms part of a broader redevelopment strategy. The SRA has set an ambitious target to deliver 5,09,783 new residential units by 2030, significantly expanding its housing output over the next five years.

To date, the authority has completed 2,74,076 units over a 29-year period. However, with several reforms now implemented—including the amnesty scheme and a Joint Venture (JV) scheme involving other state government agencies—the SRA is intensifying construction efforts to meet its 2030 objective.

Kalyankar explained that all stalled projects have been reviewed and revived through focused policy interventions. The aim extends beyond mere construction to completing projects with dignity and within specified timeframes, he added.

Key Highlights:

• Over ₹1,100 crore in total pending rent has been recovered by the SRA
• ₹982 crore was collected between August 2023 and October 2025 alone
• New legal provisions permit the attachment of builder and director properties
• ₹813 crore has already been disbursed to slum tenants
• Developers are now required to deposit two years of advance rent upfront
• Target set to construct over 5 lakh homes by 2030
• 2.74 lakh homes have already been constructed over the past 29 years

The Maharashtra SRA's renewed emphasis on accountability, enforcement, and tenant-focused reforms is being viewed as a model for affordable housing development across India, combining legal measures with proactive policy implementation to ensure fair treatment of displaced residents and accelerated housing delivery. The authority's approach demonstrates how regulatory oversight and enforcement can significantly improve outcomes for beneficiaries in government housing schemes.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available from official sources and public statements. Readers are advised to verify details independently and consult relevant authorities for specific queries related to SRA policies and procedures. The figures and statements mentioned are as reported by the Maharashtra Slum Rehabilitation Authority and may be subject to updates or revisions.