Govt scraps housing policy draft : DNA

Not consulted earlier, housing minister Prakash Mehta announces preparation of a fresh proposal

The state government has decided to scrap its proposed housing policy draft and prepare a new one. The new one will be published soon to invite people’s suggestions and objections.

According to senior government officials, the earlier draft, prepared by erstwhile housing secretary Satish Gavai, was not made in consultation with housing minister Prakash Mehta.

Yashadha, state officials’ training centre in Pune, had made the draft about which Mehta apparently had no clue. Hence, he expressed his displeasure to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis against Gavai and asked for his transfer. Gavai was recently transferred to the irrigation department.

Mehta has asked for a new draft of the policy. A senior government official said preparing a draft was the administration’s work, not that of a minister. “However, we are working on it. It will take a couple of months. Once the draft is ready, it will be published to seek views of the people and all stakeholders,” he added.

Developers, however, aren’t happy with the news and criticised the government for delaying policy decisions. “The government has been working on this housing policy for a long time. A majority builders are waiting for it... a delay will have a negative impact on the housing sector. It will also push back the launching of projects, resulting in less inventory in the market, even as the demand for houses continues to rise,” said a developer.

Congress MLA Amin Patel said the government is “grappling in the dark” even after 10 months in power. “They do not know how to run a government and frame polices. ...and they are confusing the secretaries by asking them to do unreasonable things. This entire back and forth is a waste of time and money. And the biggest losers are the people. So many are waiting for new homes as theirs have been demolished for redevelopment. But nothing has moved ahead on that front as developers are waiting for the new policy,” he added.

“The proposed draft of the DP was scrapped midway. Now, three more months have been given for it, for a DP the civic machinery worked on for more than two years. Things are worsening... Investors will lose hope if this confusing scenario continues.”