Maharashtra expands ‘Abhay’ scheme to benefit around 25,000 slum dwellers affected by stalled redevelopment projects

Under the expanded scheme, slum dwellers whose structures existed before 2000 will be covered. Representational Pic/File

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Tuesday announced the expansion of the ‘Abhay' scheme, which is expected to benefit around 25,000 slum dwellers affected by stalled redevelopment projects, reported the PTI.

Shelar, who is the guardian minister of Mumbai Suburban district, said the expanded scheme would cover groups of slum dwellers who were previously left out because of eligibility issues or changes in ownership of structures.

The Abhay scheme currently provides benefits to eligible slum dwellers living in stalled redevelopment projects where Annexure-II was prepared before 2011.

However, several residents were not covered under the scheme. This included people whose structures had earlier been declared ineligible but could qualify under rules introduced later.

It also included slum dwellers whose structures were transferred after Annexure-II had been prepared.

Structures dating before 2011 included

According to the PTI, under the expanded scheme, slum dwellers whose structures existed before 2000 will be covered.

The expansion will also include structures that existed between 2000 and 2011 but whose occupants were left out of the scheme following transfers made after the preparation of Annexure-II.

Shelar said the move would allow more families affected by stalled redevelopment projects to receive the benefits of the scheme.

Officials directed to take necessary steps

Shelar has directed officials to take the necessary steps to include eligible and ineligible slum dwellers from the 2000-2011 period under the Abhay scheme, a press release stated.

The authorities will have to examine the relevant records and determine eligibility under the applicable rules.

Around 25,000 expected to benefit

Shelar said the decision would extend the benefits of the Abhay scheme to approximately 25,000 slum dwellers, as per the PTI.

The expansion is aimed at addressing gaps in the earlier scheme and providing relief to residents who were unable to benefit because their structures or records did not fall within the previous eligibility framework.

The Abhay scheme is linked to slum redevelopment projects that have been delayed or stalled, leaving residents waiting for rehabilitation.

The latest decision is expected to widen the pool of beneficiaries and provide a pathway for more eligible residents to be considered under the rehabilitation process, the news agency reported.

(with PTI inputs)