Mumbai: Merely seven of the 433 MLAs, MLCs and MPs in the state have responded to the draft housing policy more than a month after receiving it.
This "lackadaisical approach" has angered citizen activists, who wonder whether the draft policy is important to people's representatives.
G R Vora, a member of Citizens' Federation of F-North Ward, for one, said, "It is shocking that only seven people's representatives have replied to the draft. They are expected to give vital suggestions on the policy and point out the flaws and suggest changes for the benefit of the state's overall housing scenario."
The draft policy proposes a government land bank by pooling in plots that belong to state bodies such as BMC, MIDC, Cidco, Mhada and MMRDA for affordable housing. The main objective is 'housing for all' or 19 lakh homes by 2022, through continuous creation of the land bank.
The state government's housing department came up with the draft policy on May 15. Since the policy is for the people, the government expects suggestions and objections from their representatives before finalizing the draft. "Once these are in, we will upload the draft policy for one more month for the public. They will also have the right to make suggestions."
While the department got seven responses, Ravindra Waikar, minister of state for housing, said he has not received any. "Although it will take some more time to finalize it, the policy would be ideal for the state. We are in no hurry."
Amin Patel, Congress MLA from Mumbadevi, said, "We need more time to respond as the draft is over 90 pages long. I have consulted experts to suggest a few changes as some points are against my voters in south Mumbai. I will send my reply soon."
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