Patkar raises housing issue of 250 worker families in Mumbai; minister assures action

Mumbai, Jul 16 (PTI) Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday assured appropriate action, within the framework of existing rules, to resolve the housing issue of around 250 worker families residing in Mumbai's Mankhurd area. He gave the assurance after veteran social activist Medha Patkar raised the matter with him and sought the transfer of government land for the poor families' self-development housing project. "We will verify all documents and ascertain the factual position in the case. A comprehensive review of the legal and administrative aspects will be undertaken, and necessary action will be taken within the ambit of rules to ensure eligible beneficiaries get justice," Bawankule said after meeting Patkar. According to an official statement issued by Bawankule's office, the activist met the minister and submitted a detailed representation regarding the housing issue of around 250 worker families under a self-development housing scheme in the Mandala area of Mankhurd (East), a suburb located on the eastern side of the state capital. She told the minister that the families had been residing in the area for several years and that an early decision on their rehabilitation and housing was necessary. The activist submitted documents related to the land where the families are residing, correspondence with various government departments and details of action taken in the matter so far. Patkar urged the government to transfer a government plot for the self-development housing project for the economically weaker families. She said allotment of a 6,077.55-square metre plot at Mandala was essential for implementing a housing project for them. The statement said Bawankule directed officials to verify all documents related to the proposal and examine the factual position before undertaking a comprehensive review of the legal and administrative aspects. He insisted necessary action would be taken in accordance with the rules to ensure that eligible beneficiaries received justice. PTI ND RSY