New Inclusive Housing Policy to Usher in a Revolution in Affordable Housing: Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Mumbai : Maharashtra’s newly approved housing policy aims to revolutionize the sector by making affordable housing accessible to the common man and economically weaker sections. Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the policy will reshape urban development and housing in the state while boosting the goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy through large-scale investments in the sector.

The state Cabinet today approved the “State Housing Policy 2025” under the slogan “My Home, My Right”. Shinde emphasized that this inclusive and sustainable policy is designed to provide affordable housing across all social segments. The state government targets the construction of 35 lakh homes by 2030 for economically weaker and low-income groups, with tailored initiatives planned for each demographic.

Key Features of the Policy:

1. Comprehensive Approach for All

The policy considers the needs of senior citizens, working women, students, industrial workers, journalists, persons with disabilities, and ex-servicemen. A centralized digital Housing Information Portal will be created using AI to track housing demand and supply, unit geo-tagging, fund distribution, district-wise land banks, and integration with platforms like MahaRERA, MahaBhulekh, and PM Gati Shakti.

2. Government Land Bank

A statewide land bank of government-owned land suitable for residential use will be created by 2026 in coordination with departments like Revenue, Forest, MSRDC, MIDC, and Water Resources.

3. Walk to Work Concept

Echoing the Prime Minister’s vision of homes near workplaces, the policy focuses on developing housing near employment hubs, especially in industrial zones. Between 10-30% of reserved industrial land will now be earmarked for residential purposes. Urban development authorities across cities with populations over 10 lakh will be mandated to plan inclusive housing projects.

4. Timely Completion of Redevelopment Projects

A Dedicated Self-Redevelopment Cell will be set up to assist housing societies with planning, funding, developer selection, and implementation. An initial fund of ₹2,000 crore will be allocated to support these efforts.

The state government also plans to contribute a significant share of the ₹20,000 crore viability gap fund required for launching inclusive and affordable housing investments, in line with NITI Aayog’s recommendations for the G-Hub of Mumbai.

5. Promoting Green and Resilient Construction

The policy promotes green building standards, integrated eco-friendly infrastructure, and climate-resilient construction under the Global Housing Technology Challenge. Innovative methods will address heat, flood, and earthquake risks while ensuring sustainability and affordability.

Tripartite agreements among societies, developers, and authorities will be mandatory in all redevelopment projects. Escrow accounts will be required for advance rent and bank guarantees to protect residents. CSR funds will also be leveraged to support affordable and social housing.

Knowledge partners like IITs, IIMs, UDRI, and WRI will assist in policy implementation and monitoring.

6. Priority to Slum Rehabilitation

The policy proposes the use of central government land for slum rehabilitation. Joint initiatives between the Centre and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) will be explored, with central funding support. Transparency, real-time monitoring, and accountability in SRA projects will be ensured through IT-based systems, enabling clear beneficiary identification, project tracking, and fund management.

7. Curbing Malpractices

A cluster redevelopment model will be encouraged for slum rehabilitation. New capable developers will be selected through tender processes for delayed or stalled projects. Shinde reiterated that the policy aims to eliminate delays and prevent any malpractices in the sector.

This transformative housing policy, with its inclusive and forward-looking approach, aims to make the dream of owning a home a reality for millions in Maharashtra while significantly contributing to the state’s economic growth.