Decision on houses for 28,000 cleaning staff in 15 days: Maharashtra government

The state government on Monday assured the legislative council that it would come out with a policy on housing the cleaning staff community, within 15 days.

Currently, there are 28,000 people employed as cleaning staff with the BMC, all of whom live in buildings that are old and dilapidated. Previously, the state had taken up the decision to provide for houses to these staffers.

MLC Bhai Girkar said that for nearly two years, the state has been looking to house the conservancy workers, but still hasn't arrived at a decision. He added: "In the financial year 2013, the government had sought to provide houses. It has been over a year and still, there is nothing on this matter."

Another member, Kiran Pavaskar said: "Besides houses, the government is also supposed to provide for other facilities like rubber boots, gloves etc. A prize can be given if one finds these with cleanliness staff."

About housing, minister for urban development, Ranjit Patil said: "A committee was appointed, and the state is looking to provide for houses to all the workers. We are looking to give houses under Section 37 (2) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, with an FSI of four. A decision on the same will be taken in 15 days."