Citing safety concerns, 500 protesters demand Rent Act amendment, among other things; vow to launch ‘massive citywide road show’ if action isn’t taken; the members had earlier protested at the same location in July where just a few representatives had participated in the peaceful protest.
Tenants at the protest in Azad Maidan on Tuesday. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Around 500 tenants residing in buildings in the city that operate as per the Pagadi system staged a peaceful protest at Azad Maidan on Tuesday. The members had earlier protested at the same location in July where just a few representatives had participated in the peaceful protest.
“Though we were hopeful, we also knew, somewhere, that our demands must have fallen on deaf ears. We have been conducting peaceful protests, but now we are running out of patience, as it is a matter of our lives," said Mukesh Shah Pendse, chairman, Pagadi Ekta Sangh.
The community’s message is firm: they want action, not false promises. “For decades, tenants have been given assurances without results, and this time, the people refuse to be misled again. The turnout today reflects the frustration and determination of lakhs of families demanding safety, dignity, and justice,” said Pendse.
Activist Jitendra Ghadge, who also supported the protesters on Tuesday, mentioned, “They are naive and peaceful enough to demand a Government Resolution (GR). But a GR won’t help us. We need an amendment to the Rent Act. For buildings where the landlords have refused to collect the rent and do not maintain the building, let MHADA collect the rent from tenants and maintain the building. Further, in case the landlord is not allowing transfer of tenancy or is asking for extra money or cash payment, then MHADA should be made the competent authority to allow the transfer. Additionally, in case the landlords of the building are not available or if the title is in dispute, let MHADA be the competent authority to allow redevelopment.”
Pagadi Ekta Sangh has made it clear: until their demands are fulfilled, they won’t step down. “If the government fails to act immediately, the agitation will return even stronger, not at Azad Maidan, but on the streets, with a massive citywide road show. Today’s disciplined protest is only the beginning. The fight will continue until every Pagadi tenant secures a safe and dignified home,” concluded Pendse.
Pagadi tenants’ six demands
1 Issue a special Government Resolution (GR) declaring pre-1960 buildings dangerous for habitation.
2 Ensure stringent implementation of Section 79A.
3 Safeguard the rights of tenants whose buildings fall under BMC’s (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) jurisdiction.
4 Announce and release a definitive list of authentic tenants.
5 Issue a special GR for non-cessed buildings.
6 Establish a single-window process for the redevelopment of Pagadi buildings.
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