In a move that could bring major relief to thousands of families, the Maharashtra government is planning to extend slum rehabilitation benefits to first-floor residents of chawls — a segment currently left out of redevelopment schemes. This reform could potentially unlock stalled redevelopment projects and make several low-income housing initiatives more viable across the state.
Also Read: Maharashtra Government Greenlights Stamp Duty Concessions for Dharavi Redevelopment & Raigad Pen Growth Centre Projects
What’s Changing in Slum Rehabilitation Rules?
Until now, the eligibility for Maharashtra’s slum rehabilitation projects was limited to ground-floor structures or residential units with a maximum height of 14 feet. This rule excluded many chawl residents living on upper levels, especially first floors, from availing benefits under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme.
However, according to media reports, the Maharashtra Housing Department is preparing to present a formal proposal to the state Cabinet that could change this. The recommendation is to extend eligibility under the SRA scheme to include first-floor residents of chawls. Importantly, this provision will only apply to chawls and not to slums or other unauthorized structures.
Why Focus Only on Chawls and Not Slums?
There’s a critical distinction between chawls and slums.
“Slums are typically unauthorized settlements built with temporary materials and lacking basic civic infrastructure like sewage and water supply. Chawls, however, are heritage residential structures, often built before the 1970s, originally designed to house industrial workers,” explains Kedar Chapekar, CEO of Aspect Realty, a Mumbai-based developer specializing in SRA projects.
Chawls are considered more legally sound because they’re built on private land, are taxed by municipal authorities, and have historical records such as non-agricultural land use and property tax receipts. These factors make them easier to verify for eligibility under government housing schemes.
What Qualifies as a Chawl Under This Proposal?
As per the draft proposal by the Maharashtra Housing Department:
- The structure must be a chawl built before 1976.
- It should be located on private land.
- It must have non-agricultural land use classification and property tax documents.
- The resident must provide proof of residence dated before January 1, 2000.
Also Read: Big Win for Maharashtra’s Housing Societies
Why Is This Move So Significant?
Currently, the restriction on first-floor units has made several redevelopment projects financially unfeasible for developers. Including only the ground floor in the rehab count limited the number of eligible residents, which in turn reduced the developer’s incentive and profit margin.
Chapekar adds:
“By including first-floor residents in the eligibility criteria, projects become more viable for developers. It will not only accelerate timelines but also reduce cost and operational hurdles.”
The Bigger Picture: How Many People Will Benefit?
This move could impact a massive number of Mumbaikars. Reports indicate that the suburbs of Mumbai house more than 4,500 chawl structures, accommodating over 4 lakh residents. Key areas with dense chawl populations include:
- Borivali
- Kandivali
- Dahisar
- Malad
- Kurla
- Ghatkopar
- Mulund
- Bhandup
- Vikhroli
If the Cabinet approves the proposal, thousands of first-floor residents who have been living in legal limbo may soon gain the right to proper housing under the state’s rehabilitation schemes.
What Happens Next?
Once the proposal is formally submitted, it will go to the state Cabinet for approval. If cleared, it could be incorporated into the existing SRA guidelines — opening up the door to more inclusive and sustainable urban redevelopment.
The move also aligns with the larger goal of revamping Mumbai’s aging housing stock while giving legal recognition and dignity to long-time chawl residents.
Final Thoughts
While this change won’t apply to informal slum settlements, the recognition of first-floor chawl units under the SRA scheme is a strong step toward more inclusive urban renewal. It also demonstrates the state’s willingness to evolve its housing policies to match on-ground realities.
Stay tuned for official confirmation once the Cabinet votes on the proposal.
In a move that could bring major relief to thousands of families, the Maharashtra government is planning to extend slum rehabilitation benefits to first-floor residents of chawls — a segment currently left out of redevelopment schemes. This reform could potentially unlock stalled redevelopment projects and make several low-income housing initiatives more viable across the state.
Also Read: Maharashtra Government Greenlights Stamp Duty Concessions for Dharavi Redevelopment & Raigad Pen Growth Centre Projects
What’s Changing in Slum Rehabilitation Rules?
Until now, the eligibility for Maharashtra’s slum rehabilitation projects was limited to ground-floor structures or residential units with a maximum height of 14 feet. This rule excluded many chawl residents living on upper levels, especially first floors, from availing benefits under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme.
However, according to media reports, the Maharashtra Housing Department is preparing to present a formal proposal to the state Cabinet that could change this. The recommendation is to extend eligibility under the SRA scheme to include first-floor residents of chawls. Importantly, this provision will only apply to chawls and not to slums or other unauthorized structures.
Why Focus Only on Chawls and Not Slums?
There’s a critical distinction between chawls and slums.
“Slums are typically unauthorized settlements built with temporary materials and lacking basic civic infrastructure like sewage and water supply. Chawls, however, are heritage residential structures, often built before the 1970s, originally designed to house industrial workers,” explains Kedar Chapekar, CEO of Aspect Realty, a Mumbai-based developer specializing in SRA projects.
Chawls are considered more legally sound because they’re built on private land, are taxed by municipal authorities, and have historical records such as non-agricultural land use and property tax receipts. These factors make them easier to verify for eligibility under government housing schemes.
What Qualifies as a Chawl Under This Proposal?
As per the draft proposal by the Maharashtra Housing Department:
- The structure must be a chawl built before 1976.
- It should be located on private land.
- It must have non-agricultural land use classification and property tax documents.
- The resident must provide proof of residence dated before January 1, 2000.
Also Read: Big Win for Maharashtra’s Housing Societies
Why Is This Move So Significant?
Currently, the restriction on first-floor units has made several redevelopment projects financially unfeasible for developers. Including only the ground floor in the rehab count limited the number of eligible residents, which in turn reduced the developer’s incentive and profit margin.
Chapekar adds:
“By including first-floor residents in the eligibility criteria, projects become more viable for developers. It will not only accelerate timelines but also reduce cost and operational hurdles.”
The Bigger Picture: How Many People Will Benefit?
This move could impact a massive number of Mumbaikars. Reports indicate that the suburbs of Mumbai house more than 4,500 chawl structures, accommodating over 4 lakh residents. Key areas with dense chawl populations include:
- Borivali
- Kandivali
- Dahisar
- Malad
- Kurla
- Ghatkopar
- Mulund
- Bhandup
- Vikhroli
If the Cabinet approves the proposal, thousands of first-floor residents who have been living in legal limbo may soon gain the right to proper housing under the state’s rehabilitation schemes.
What Happens Next?
Once the proposal is formally submitted, it will go to the state Cabinet for approval. If cleared, it could be incorporated into the existing SRA guidelines — opening up the door to more inclusive and sustainable urban redevelopment.
The move also aligns with the larger goal of revamping Mumbai’s aging housing stock while giving legal recognition and dignity to long-time chawl residents.
Final Thoughts
While this change won’t apply to informal slum settlements, the recognition of first-floor chawl units under the SRA scheme is a strong step toward more inclusive urban renewal. It also demonstrates the state’s willingness to evolve its housing policies to match on-ground realities.
Stay tuned for official confirmation once the Cabinet votes on the proposal.
