Mumbai to Be Made Slum-Free, Focus on Development and Law & Order: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Government’s focus on development, law and order, and farmers’ welfare

Reply to the discussion on the Final Week Motion

Mumbai, March 2026: The government is committed to the overall development of the state, and work is underway in all sectors including agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and law and order. “We have a firm resolve to take Maharashtra to new heights,” said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the Legislative Council.

He stated that, on the occasion of the birth centenary year of Hinduhṛday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray, the state government has resolved to make Mumbai and surrounding areas slum-free, and for this, the ‘Hinduhṛday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Urban Public Welfare Campaign’ will be implemented.

He was replying to the discussion on the Final Week Motion under Rule 259.

Referring to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said India is reaching new heights of progress and praised his tenure.

Major decisions for farmers’ welfare

He said the government has implemented loan waiver schemes as promised. Farmers with outstanding loans up to September 30, 2025, have been given loan waivers up to ₹2 lakh. Additionally, farmers who repay loans regularly are being given incentive benefits up to ₹50,000. Today, around ₹1,798.78 crore has been deposited in the accounts of 89,75,298 farmers.

Boost to cluster development

Cluster development of slums larger than 50 acres in Mumbai has been approved. Based on biometric surveys, the process of granting recognition as authorised clusters will be completed quickly, and the tender process will be carried out urgently.

Increased corpus fund for maintenance

To make maintenance affordable for residents of slum rehabilitation projects, the corpus fund has been significantly increased. ₹1 lakh per unit will be given for buildings up to 70 metres, ₹2 lakh for buildings between 70 and 120 metres, and ₹3 lakh for buildings above 120 metres.

Push to redevelopment of old buildings

Earlier, houses of 180, 225, and 269 sq ft were provided. Due to the 30-year condition, redevelopment was facing difficulties. This condition has been relaxed, and it has been decided to provide houses of 300 sq ft to eligible residents.

Control on new slums

To prevent the growth of new slums, regular monitoring will be carried out using satellite technology. Encroachments on lands belonging to MMRDA, Mumbai Municipal Corporation, MHADA, and other government bodies will be reviewed every four months.

‘Housing for All’ mission

The government is committed to ensuring that every eligible beneficiary gets a house, with a right to a 300 sq ft home. Additional FSI incentives will also be provided for redevelopment up to 500 sq ft.

Focus on social justice and welfare schemes

Various corporations have been established for deprived and weaker sections, and the government is committed to providing them timely funds. A total of 20 subsidiary corporations, including the OBC Finance and Development Corporation and Vasantrao Naik Corporation for Denotified and Nomadic Tribes, are functioning with adequate funding.

Stronger law and order

To strengthen law and order, the police force is being equipped with modern technology. The ‘MahacrimeOS AI’ system has been launched to effectively combat cybercrime. Recruitment is underway for over 15,000 police posts.

The response time of the 112 helpline for women’s safety ranks second in the country. Initiatives such as ‘Damini Squad’, ‘Nirbhaya Squad’, and ‘Bharosa Cell’ are functioning effectively. Efforts are being made to file charge sheets within 60 days in cases of crimes against women.

Strict action against drugs and Naxalism

Action against narcotics has been intensified, with 1,438 cases registered and 1,651 accused arrested in the past year. Major action has also been taken in MD drug cases. Anti-Naxal operations have led to several surrenders, and new development opportunities are emerging in affected areas.

Expansion of CCTV and technical facilities

More than 12,000 CCTV cameras have been installed in 1,089 police stations. Overall, more than 6 lakh CCTV cameras are operational in the state, helping significantly in solving crimes.

Action against corruption

Taking a strict stance against corruption, 682 bribery cases were registered last year and around 1,000 individuals faced action. Over the past two years, 1,304 officers and employees have been suspended, and six have been dismissed. A 1064 helpline and WhatsApp facility have been made available for complaints.

Strict stance against anti-social elements

Referring to certain incidents, he warned of strict action against anti-social tendencies. “The government will not tolerate any act that harms Maharashtra’s culture,” he said.

“The pace of development achieved over the last four years will be maintained in the future as well. We will continue to take the state’s development forward strongly,” Deputy Chief Minister Shinde expressed.