Aaditya Thackeray Slams Maharashtra Govt's 'Pagdi' Building Policy
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has raised concerns over the Maharashtra government's new regulatory framework for redeveloping buildings under the 'pagdi' system. He alleges that the policy aims to evict tenants from Mumbai and benefit landlords and builders, particularly in the lead-up to the BMC elections.
Thackeray, speaking at a press conference, said, “There have been instances where buildings are in a dilapidated condition and they are trying to throw the occupants out. The announcement by the housing minister was made for landowners and builders.” He further stated, “They want to drive away lakhs of Mumbaikars living in these pagdi houses out of the city.”
Referring to the banners proclaiming a 'pagdi-mukt Mumbai', the Worli MLA said, “They want to drive them (occupants of these buildings) out of Mumbai.” He questioned the new policy, which states that occupants will receive the same carpet area after redevelopment. “Why should they not get more space if the building or residential premises get redeveloped?” he asked.
Thackeray also criticized the government, saying, “This is not a people's government,” and labeled the BJP as the 'builder janta party.' He demanded that high-frequency defence radars in Mumbai be shifted to facilitate redevelopment of surrounding areas, noting that existing norms were hampering growth.
Last week, Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde announced the new regulatory framework for redeveloping buildings under the 'pagdi' system, calling it a 'historic decision' aimed at eventually making Mumbai free of such properties. Shinde had said some structures had already been redeveloped, while several collapsed, and nearly 13,000 are awaiting reconstruction.
Tenants in these buildings enjoy protection under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, while landlords claim they do not get fair compensation due to tenants' extensive rights, Shinde had noted. The announcement, made ahead of the crucial BMC elections, is expected to benefit thousands of tenants.
The pagdi system, a rent control arrangement, has shaped housing in much of south and central Mumbai for decades. Under this model, tenants are partial owners who pay nominal rent, can sublet or sell the property, and enjoy near-lifelong occupancy in exchange for an upfront payment. However, the system has been criticized for opacity and bureaucratic hurdles that have stalled redevelopment of these structures.
(With PTI inputs)
