Maharashtra Forms 11-Member Committee to Audit Slum Redevelopment Act
A new committee has been established to enhance the effectiveness of the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, following a Bombay High Court directive.
The committee aims to expedite the redevelopment process and gather stakeholder input.
It is required to submit findings and recommendations within 10 months.
The committee's formation follows a Supreme Court observation regarding litigation under the Slum Act.
In Maharashtra, an 11-member committee has been created to conduct a performance audit of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971. This initiative comes in response to a directive issued by the Bombay High Court, aiming to streamline the redevelopment process for slum areas. The committee convened for its inaugural meeting this week to discuss strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of the redevelopment efforts.
The formation of this expert panel is part of a broader effort to address the challenges associated with slum rehabilitation projects in the state. During the first meeting, members reviewed the current implementation of the Act and deliberated on necessary amendments and future planning. Parag Alavni, a member of the committee, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the redevelopment process benefits the citizens directly.
The committee is expected to compile its findings and recommendations within a 10-month timeframe, as stipulated by a Government Resolution issued by the Housing Department on July 31. The Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing Department will lead the committee, while the Chief Executive Officer of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Mumbai will serve as the member secretary.
This initiative follows a special bench of the Bombay High Court's directive on May 8, which was prompted by concerns raised in the Supreme Court regarding the volume of litigation stemming from the Slum Act. The committee will assess the performance of the 1971 law, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, including developers, landowners, and legal experts.
To facilitate this audit, the SRA's CEO has been instructed to establish a dedicated sub-committee comprising officials from various departments, including engineering, finance, and town planning. This collaborative approach aims to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the redevelopment process and to identify effective strategies for improving living conditions for slum dwellers across Maharashtra.
