Maharashtra's New Housing Policy: 35 Lakh Homes for EWS and LIG by 2030
The government of Maharashtra has approved the new state Housing Policy 2025, with a bold goal to construct 35 lakh homes by 2030 for the economically weaker section (EWS) and Low-Income Group (LIG) categories. This ambitious policy aims to address the housing needs of various groups, including senior citizens, working women, students, industrial workers, journalists, the differently abled, and ex-servicemen.
The policy also aims to create a land bank of government-owned plots suitable for residential use and a centralized digital housing information portal. This portal will be developed using artificial intelligence (AI) to map demand and supply, geo-tag homes, monitor fund allocation, and maintain a district-wise land bank. It will integrate with systems like the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), MahaBhulekh, and PM Gati Shakti.
In addition to this, the policy emphasizes home development close to employment hubs, especially in industrial areas. Of the 20% reserved land in MIDC zones, 10–30% will be earmarked exclusively for housing. Inclusive housing is mandated not only for large municipal corporations with populations above 10 lakh but also for all metropolitan region development authorities.
The government has proposed using central government land for slum rehabilitation. This initiative will be supported by joint efforts between the central government and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, with central funds sought for the same. To ensure transparency and accountability, IT-based systems will be implemented for real-time monitoring and project tracking.
A dedicated self-redevelopment cell will be set up to guide societies on planning, funding, developer selection, and execution. An initial fund of Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for this initiative. The policy also requires tripartite agreements between the society, developer, and the government authority. Escrow accounts for advance rent and bank guarantees will be mandatory to protect the interest of residents.
Affordable and social housing projects will receive support through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding. Institutes like IIT, IIM, UDRI, and WRI will be appointed as knowledge partners to ensure the adoption of innovative construction methods. According to NITI Aayog’s G-20 Urban Infrastructure Working Group (G-Hub) recommendations, Maharashtra needs to commit about Rs 20,000 crore as viability gap funding to boost investment in affordable and inclusive housing.
The policy promotes green building practices and environmentally friendly infrastructure, emphasizing climate-resilient construction methods. Under the Global Housing Technology Challenge, innovative construction methods will be adopted to resist heat, floods, and earthquakes. Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde stated, 'The policy will transform urban development and housing in the state, while also drawing massive investments that will support Maharashtra’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy. This inclusive and sustainable policy will ensure affordable homes not just for the economically weaker sections but across all strata.'
