Maharashtra’s Solapur is set to witness the inauguration of India’s largest housing project for economically weaker sections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the largest housing project for economically weaker sections at Solapur next month.
The announcement about the development was made by a senior government official on Friday (September 15). The ambitious project, situated at Raynagar in Solapur, spans an expansive 100 acres and encompasses the construction of 30,000 homes, with 15,000 already completed, according to Valsa Nair Singh, Maharashtra’s additional chief secretary.
The housing scheme represents a significant milestone in providing affordable housing to those in need. Each house boasts 300 square feet of space and carries a price tag of Rs 6 lakh for eligible beneficiaries. To qualify, a family’s annual income must not exceed Rs 3 lakh.
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) is overseeing the project’s execution, with support from the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Beneficiaries of this monumental project encompass a diverse range of individuals, including unorganized workers, textile laborers, beedi workers, construction laborers, ragpickers, and garment workers.
Additionally, Valsa Nair Singh announced the impending signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to kickstart the multi-thousand crore Dharavi redevelopment project. This development is expected to pave the way for similar cluster-based projects across the state, reflecting the state government’s focus on cluster-based development.
By year-end, Maharashtra aims to have initiated at least ten such cluster projects, following a similar approach for the redevelopment of Kamathipura, Mumbai’s renowned red-light district.
Singh also highlighted the forthcoming housing policy’s key objectives, which include promoting affordable housing, encouraging “walkable cities,” improving work-life balance, integrating smart home technology, and prioritizing homes for specific demographics such as senior citizens and students.
The policy, whose draft will be made public, aims to address the issue of skilled manpower and emphasizes respecting and dignifying senior citizens as India’s population ages.
Speaking at the same event, Pravin Darade, the principal secretary for the environment, emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an action plan for climate change. The government has enlisted 20 interns who collaborate with various government departments as part of the formulation process.
