Introduction

Housing Department

As per the 2011 Census, Maharashtra has a population of 112.37 million, with approximately 42% residing in urban areas. Ensuring adequate shelter is a critical challenge for a rapidly urbanizing state like Maharashtra, which is also one of the fastest-growing states in India. Recognizing housing as a fundamental human necessity, the Government of Maharashtra has undertaken various initiatives to provide affordable and sustainable housing solutions for all sections of society, including the Low-Income Group (LIG), Middle-Income Group (MIG), and High-Income Group (HIG).
The state’s commitment to housing development was first formalized with the publication of the Housing Policy on July 23, 2007. Since then, numerous schemes have been implemented under the Housing Department, including:

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) (PMAY-U)
• Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)
• Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP)
• Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP)
• Dharavi Redevelopment Project
• Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY)
• Slum Improvement and Rehabilitation Schemes
• Housing for Disaster Victims

Additionally, under Section 83(1) of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) Act, 1976, buildings on Brihanmumbai Island are exempt from cess. The Mumbai Building Repair and Reconstruction Board is responsible for the repair and reconstruction of old and dilapidated structures, ensuring their safety and longevity.
The Housing Department oversees key institutions such as:

1. Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) – an autonomous body driving housing development
2. Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) – facilitating slum redevelopment and rehabilitation
3. ShivshahiPunarvasan Prakalp Ltd. (SRPL) – a government initiative for housing reconstruction
4. Maharashtra Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) – supporting affordable housing initiatives

To address grievances in slum redevelopment projects, the Maharashtra Slum (Improvement, Clearance, and Redevelopment) Tribunal has been established. Additionally, to prevent unauthorized encroachments on government land, designated Additional Collectors (Encroachment/Eviction) operate across Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, and Greater Mumbai.

Recognizing the need for consumer protection and transparency in the real estate sector, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) was enacted nationwide on March 25, 2016. In response, Maharashtra established the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) on May 1, 2017 to regulate and streamline the sector. Furthermore, the Maharashtra Real Estate Appellate Tribunal, constituted on December 24, 2018, provides a platform for appeals against MahaRERA’s decisions. The Maharashtra Slum Improvement, Clearance, and Redevelopment Act, 1971, also led to the creation of the Maharashtra Galichha Vasti Tribunal, which has jurisdiction across the state. This Tribunal adjudicates appeals related to slum area declarations and redevelopment, ensuring legal oversight and compliance. Appeals against its decisions can be further escalated to the Hon’ble High Court. Through these initiatives and governance frameworks, the Housing Department continues to drive Maharashtra’s vision of well-regulated urban development and housing that is affordable, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient, ensuring a dignified living environment for all residents.