SRA builders accused of cheating to face action in 24 hours

Conceding that there are often irregularities in the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) schemes, Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta today said action would be initiated against errant officials and builders within 24 hours of receipt of complaint of cheating.
Mehta said the fine for developers found to be engaged in malpractices will be increased from the present Rs 24 lakh if necessary.
He was replying to a question about pending SRA schemes and the irregularities therein in the Legislative Council.
NCP's Prakash Binsale asked if the government was going to take any action against officials who delay SRA projects, and demanded that the scheme be implemented by the state housing agency MHADA.

Mehta said that 129 projects on Mumbai municipal corporation lands and 96 on MHADA lands were pending as the officials had not submitted the proposals.
"Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in December held a meeting of SRA officials -- first in 13 years -- and some issues came to light. The MHADA officials have accepted that not a single project moved in last three years... Action will be taken against officials and developers within 24 hours in case we find instances of cheating," Mehta said.
"We have fined K K Construction Rs 24 lakh and a complaint has been lodged against M/s Arihant Construction Company at Mulund Police station. Action was taken against a total of 11 developers in the last one year," Mehta said.

The minister also said the government will formulate a comprehensive policy for housing which will address the SRA issues too. "We will invite opinions from all the stakeholders," he added.