Maharashtra eases rules to give Mumbai mill workers ready homes in MMR for Rs 15 lakh

The state government's housing department has made major changes to the rules so that eligible workers of closed and sick-declared textile mills in Mumbai, and their heirs, can get homes in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The government issued a fresh order on the matter on Monday. The new decision makes significant changes to the original Government Resolution of March 15, 2024.

Under the new decision, the stringent land requirement for private developers has been eased. The FSI in projects has also been increased, clearing the way for faster construction of homes. Preparations have also begun to provide ready-to-occupy homes for Rs 15 lakh. This opens the way for Mumbai's mill workers to get affordable homes soon.

Following the historic strike of 1982, 58 textile mills in Mumbai were closed or declared sick. Various workers' unions have been demanding that the state government provide homes to thousands of eligible workers of these mills and their heirs. To help these workers and heirs get homes quickly, the government has decided to partially amend the original policy.

One of the main provisions of the Government Resolution is the removal of the 30-acre land requirement for private developers to build homes on approved layouts under Models 2 and 3. A developer can now start work if the developer holds at least one acre of land, or holds a non-transferable power of attorney. In other words, the earlier requirement of 30 acres has been replaced with a minimum of one acre.

To give mill workers shelter urgently, the government has planned to buy ready-to-occupy flats from private builders through MHADA. Under the new rules, MHADA will invite expressions of interest from developers of such projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Each project must have at least 100 ready-to-occupy homes. Under the policy, these homes will be bought from the builder at Rs 15 lakh or the local ready reckoner rate, whichever is lower.