**Maharashtra Government Enforces Senior Citizens Policy in Redevelopment Projects**
The Maharashtra government has taken decisive action following a reprimand from the Bombay High Court, issuing a circular that mandates the strict enforcement of the Comprehensive Senior Citizens Policy, 2013, in housing and slum redevelopment initiatives. This directive, released by the housing department, responds to the court’s criticism regarding the state’s failure to provide adequate shelter for senior citizens amid prolonged construction delays.
The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has been tasked with ensuring that redevelopment projects adhere to established timelines, thereby safeguarding the housing rights of elderly residents. To facilitate this, a project implementation and monitoring committee will be formed for each redevelopment project. This committee will consist of SRA officials, the developer, and two representatives from the senior citizen community, meeting monthly to oversee progress.
To protect the interests of elderly residents, the SRA is empowered to issue up to three monthly “show-cause” notices to developers who do not meet deadlines or quality standards. Should there be no improvement, the SRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) may terminate the developer’s contract based on a written request from the monitoring committee or a majority of the senior residents.
Additionally, the circular calls for the establishment of a dedicated cell and an online grievance redressal system to prioritize complaints from senior citizens. It also emphasizes the need for redevelopment projects to include specific amenities for the elderly and ensure full accessibility for disabled senior citizens, in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
This initiative follows a recent case where a bench of Justices GS Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe intervened on behalf of a senior citizen affected by delays in redevelopment projects. The court directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing Department to rigorously implement existing policies to protect the rights of senior citizens.
The court’s intervention was prompted by a plea from Mehmooda Ali Husain Hashmi, a Mumbai resident, who, along with other senior citizens, has been waiting for over a decade for promised housing. The petitioners have not received transit accommodation rent from developers during this period. Advocates representing the petitioners argued for immediate financial deposits from developers to address the grievances of affected individuals, highlighting the inadequacies in enforcing existing protections for senior citizens.
In conclusion, the Maharashtra government’s recent measures aim to ensure that senior citizens are not left vulnerable during redevelopment projects, reinforcing their rights to adequate housing and support.
**FAQ**
**What is the Maharashtra Comprehensive Senior Citizens Policy?**
The Maharashtra Comprehensive Senior Citizens Policy, established in 2013, aims to protect the rights and welfare of senior citizens, ensuring they have access to housing, amenities, and support services, particularly during redevelopment projects.
