Sharad Pawar slams govt over distribution of houses to mill workers

Union agriculture minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar slammed the state government over the delay in the distribution of the houses to the mill workers and the project affected people (PAPs) in the Mumbai international airport makeover project.

The tenements are not being given to the workers and slum dwellers despite the fact that the buildings are ready for occupation.

Pawar said that he was surprised to know that the state government has failed to distribute the houses. “More than 5,000 tenements for the mill workers and the same number for slumdwellers living in the airport area are ready to be occupied. Why is state government delaying the distribution,” Pawar questioned.

The housing portfolio is held by chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, who has appointed a sub-committee to resolve the issue.

Authorities also failed to identify the accurate number of eligible PAP tenants to be rehabilated. This has delayed the distribution.

Pawar also has directed the Cidco to ensure tenements to mathadi workers on urgent basis.