Debarpita Roy
Debarpita Roy
Developing EWS flats in cities tougher than households building own homes
An independent study finds that the long-running Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) programme has shown the way for addressing this challenge in non-million cities (under 1 million population)
Updated On : 24 Jun 2025 | 10:42 PM IST
Making every Budget rupee count for cities: Fresh ideas needed for impact
The share for urban housing has declined, with new schemes being slow to take off and the focus remaining on completing houses under earlier schemes
Updated On : 25 Feb 2025 | 11:06 PM IST
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Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Beyond the headlines: As HC order on MNREGA gives TMC a boost, BJP says act against ‘corruption' first
After multiple setbacks in court, the TMC-led state government got significant relief as the Calcutta High Court recently directed the Central government to resume the MNREGA scheme in the state from August 1. The BJP, however, has pointed out that while it is 'not against MNREGA scheme,' the onus is on the ruling TMC to first take action against 'corruption' in its ranks. The Centre, through an earlier order dated March 9, 2022, stopped releasing funds for the scheme, citing irregularities under Section 27 of the Act. In May 2023, the Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS), a rural workers' trade union, filed a petition in the High Court challenging the suspension. A Division Bench of Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam and Justice Chaitali Chatterjee noted that while Clause 27 allows the Ministry of Rural Development to withhold funds for a 'reasonable period' in case of irregularities, the scheme in Bengal has been stalled for nearly three years. 'At this juncture, the endeavour of the court is on implementation of the scheme in the state of West Bengal, which has been kept in abeyance for close to three years,' the Bench observed. A senior official in the state administration welcomed the verdict and expressed hope that the Centre would not only release MNREGA funds but also 'unblock' dues under other centrally sponsored schemes, such as PMAY-G. 'The Centre cannot withhold funds for years because of corruption involving a few. The state has Rs 8,000 crore pending under PMAY-G alone. We hope this order will pave the way for resumption of other stalled projects as well,' the official said. TMC leaders termed the HC order as a 'much-awaited relief for the state and its millions of NREGA workers.' In a post on X, the TMC wrote, 'We made a promise to the people of Bengal – that we would fight for their rights with every ounce of strength in our bodies and we reaffirm our commitment to fight for Bengal against the ZAMINDARS in every forum, at every level.' Party MP Abhishek Banerjee also wrote in a post on X, 'The Calcutta High Court's order to restart MNREGA in Bengal is a blow to BJP's politics of revenge. This wasn't governance, it was retribution. The Court's directive to resume the scheme from August 1 is a step toward restoring justice.' However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee struck a more cautious note. 'The Centre is sending teams to Bengal, but they haven't released a single rupee in years. This is public money. People have worked, but they haven't been paid. Who will pay them? We had to pay from state funds. That's why we launched the 'Karmashree' scheme,' she said. Anuradha Talwar, leader of Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity, the organisation that filed the petition, called the verdict a moral victory. It is the reward of the hard work and persistence of PBKMS members who did not give up their struggle despite three frustrating years. Our next task is to now ensure a corruption-free MNREGA in our State and to continue our struggle against BJP's attempts to kill MNREGA.' CPI(M) Central Committee member Sujan Chakraborty also welcomed the order.'From the very first day we have been asking… Why are poor labourers suffering because of the fight between BJP and TMC? It is their right. There may be corruption allegations. That can be investigated. But it is not acceptable that, year after year, MNREGA work has been stopped,' he said. BJP MP Samik Bhattacharya, however, maintained a guarded stance. 'We're not against MNREGA. But the TMC government wants to loot public money. The Centre cannot allow that. They've admitted to corruption but haven't taken action against those responsible,' he said. Atri Mitra is a Special Correspondent of The Indian Express with more than 20 years of experience in reporting from West Bengal, Bihar and the North-East. He has been covering administration and political news for more than ten years and has a keen interest in political development in West Bengal. Atri holds a Master degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University and Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. He is also an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. He started his career with leading vernacular daily the Anandabazar Patrika, and worked there for more than fifteen years. He worked as Bihar correspondent for more than three years for Anandabazar Patrika. He covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections. He also worked with News18-Bangla and covered the Bihar Lok Sabha election in 2019. ... Read More
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Noida adopts Mumbai's redevelopment model, customises it for EWS and leasehold group housing societies
Noida's new redevelopment policy marks a 'progressive shift' in urban renewal, drawing inspiration from Mumbai's model but adapting it to meet Noida's local requirements. Noida's new redevelopment policy draws inspiration from Mumbai's model but adapts it to meet Noida's local requirements. (Representational photo) (Photo by Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times)(HT_PRINT) Like Mumbai, it incentivizes developers by allowing a higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and the sale of additional units. At the same time, it ensures that existing residents benefit from upgraded, more spacious homes and are provided with temporary accommodation during reconstruction, say real estate experts. However, the key distinction lies in its focus. Unlike Mumbai's broad, city-wide redevelopment framework, Noida's approach is more targeted and phased. It specifically prioritizes the redevelopment of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) units and leasehold group housing societies, with Requests for Proposal (RFPs) issued on a project-specific basis. Noida's redevelopment policy In its 218th board meeting held on June 14, the Noida Authority approved several initiatives, including the redevelopment of aging, dilapidated high-rise group housing towers. Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M told Hindustan Times, 'The board has given in-principle approval to the redevelopment of old, dilapidated high-rises so that users of these projects can avail themselves of better basic facilities and modern infrastructure within their buildings.' Under the scheme, existing EWS flats will be demolished and reconstructed. Developers will be allowed to sell additional housing units but must ensure that original residents receive larger, improved flats. They are also required to provide temporary accommodation to residents until the new homes are ready for possession. The Authority aims to redevelop old housing projects built by the Noida Authority in Sectors 27, 93, and 93A. Cooperative and private developers who have old low-rise buildings can use a 3.5 floor area ratio instead of the old 2 FAR to build more flats and go vertical if they can purchase additional FAR for the redevelopment, Lokesh M told the newspaper. This is what experts have to say about Noida's redevelopment policy 'Noida's new redevelopment policy is a progressive step. While it is closely modelled on Mumbai's approach, it is more customized to Noida's specific local needs. Like Mumbai, it incentivizes developers by allowing higher FAR and sale of additional units while making sure that the original residents benefit from more spacious, upgraded homes as well as temporary accommodation while reconstruction is underway,' explained Santhosh Kumar, vice chairman, Anarock Group. 'The key differences are that Noida's focus is on EWS and leasehold societies, and the Requests for Proposal are project-specific. This renders it more targeted and phased than in the case of Mumbai, which uses a broader, city-wide redevelopment framework,' he said. Concurs Abhishek Singh, director, V3 Infrasol, Noida's redevelopment policy is a forward-looking move that addresses both urban renewal and infrastructure optimization. From a legal standpoint, it offers a clear framework for title regularization, transfer of rights, and stakeholder consent, key aspects that led to delays earlier. Technically, it allows for the upgrade of aging structures, improved safety codes, and sustainable design practices. The policy encourages efficient land use, better density management, and integration of smart infrastructure, he said. Also Read: Does redevelopment of old buildings impact housing prices and rentals in Mumbai?
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
UT renews case for add'l MC grant before Centre
1 2 3 Chandigarh: The UT administration has formally reiterated its demand for an additional financial grant for the Municipal Corporation (MC) during a high-level review meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by chief secretary of Chandigarh and Nitesh Kumar Vyas, additional secretary (UT), ministry of home affairs, who was in the city to assess the progress of various centrally sponsored flagship schemes. During the meeting, the finance department of the UT administration presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining the financial condition of the MC, including income, expenditure, and fiscal challenges. The administration urged the Centre to release additional funds in line with the recommendations of the 4th Delhi Finance Commission (DFC), citing the need for improved civic services and infrastructure. The financial discussion was led by the chief secretary and finance secretary, who highlighted the urgency of the grant and the rationale behind the request. The matter had already been raised with the ministry of home affairs earlier, and the meeting served to reinforce the demand. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo You Can Also Check: Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh Later in the day, mayor Harpreet Kaur Babal also met the additional secretary and echoed the administration's concerns, requesting financial support to ensure the MC's effective functioning. Apart from financial matters, the meeting focused on reviewing the implementation of 30 flagship schemes currently operational in Chandigarh. Senior officials from various departments presented updates on programmes related to education, healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, social security, and more. The administration showcased progress in key national missions such as Ayushman Bharat (AB-PMJAY), Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban), Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban 2.0, Smart Cities Mission, PMAY-U, NHM, Samagra Shiksha, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Ease of Doing Business, and Digital India. The review also included an assessment of the rollout of three new criminal laws and associated digital platforms like e-Sakshya, Nyay Setu, Nyay Shruti, and e-Summon. A live demonstration of the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) was presented, followed by a visit to CENCOPS in Sector 18 to observe its on-ground functioning. The additional secretary appreciated the administration's efforts and stressed the importance of timely execution, data-driven monitoring, inter-departmental coordination, and community participation for effective service delivery. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Mandip Singh Brar (Home Secretary), Pushpendra Kumar (DGP), Diprava Lakra (Finance Secretary), and other key personnel.
