At last, on Tuesday, the 23rd July, 2014, the Congress-led Democratic Front Government fulfilled their promise to extend the Slum Regularisation cut-off date from 1st January, 1995 to 1st January, 2000. Maharashtra State Government issued a Government Resolution (GR). The promise was first made by the Congress in its 2004 in their election manifesto and reiterated in 2009.

It is expected that the decision will be beneficial for around 3.5 lakhs slum dwellers. The slum dwellers will be eligible for the regularization on the basis of the photo identity proof issue by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the year 2001.

The Government has introduced Transfer Processor for those who have purchased the pre-2000 built hut will have to apply for a transfer. For the transfer the slum dweller should be staying there for atleast one year and will have to submit two documents of staying there and also will need to pay Rs. 40, 000 if it is a Residential Slum and Rs. 60,000 if it is a Commercial Slum for obtaining Occupation Certificate (OC).

After the regularization the slums built till 2000 will be eligible to redevelop their area under the existing Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA) Scheme.

Experts say the move will benefit the Congress Party in the upcoming state assembly elections. It will change people’s perceptions for the party.

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