Shivshahi Rehabilitation Project Gains New Momentum on the Occasion of Balasaheb

Thackeray's Birth Centenary; 'Special Joint Venture' with Private Sector Approved
Meeting Held at 'Nandanvan' Bungalow Under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
Mumbai: On the occasion of the birth centenary year of the late Shiv Sena Chief Balasaheb Thackeray, the State Government has decided to further strengthen the Shivshahi Rehabilitation Project. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that, in keeping with the very legacy and objective with which the revered Balasaheb initiated this project, emphasis will be placed on implementing the project with transparency and speed to realize the dream of a 'Slum-Free Maharashtra.'
A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Shivshahi Rehabilitation Project was held at 'Nandanvan' bungalow, presided over by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Speaking on this occasion, Shinde said, "Taking the opportunity of Balasaheb Thackeray's birth centenary year, the Shivshahi Rehabilitation Project is being strengthened. A significant step has been taken to accelerate the slum rehabilitation process across the state, including Mumbai."
Approval Granted for a 'Special Joint Venture'
During the meeting, approval was granted for the creation of a 'Special Joint Venture' between private developers and the Shivshahi Rehabilitation Project for the implementation of various projects. This initiative will enable the speedy completion of rehabilitation projects by leveraging the expertise and capabilities of the private sector.
Directives were issued to the Shivshahi Company to work through various government agencies—such as MMRDA, SRA, MHADA, CIDCO, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, and the Thane Municipal Corporation—in order to resolve and expedite stalled rehabilitation projects. Shinde clarified that by incorporating projects facing technical hurdles into the Shivshahi framework, it would be possible to utilize the benefits of the Floor Space Index (FSI), thereby ensuring the rapid completion of these projects.
Small-Scale Industries and MSME Parks for Women
A decision was taken to establish MSME Parks under the rehabilitation project framework, with the aim of providing not just housing, but also employment opportunities to the residents of slum areas. Furthermore, small-scale industrial projects for women are set to be launched, modeled after the government's 'Ladki Bahin' (Beloved Sister) scheme.
Key Decisions
A fund of ?4 crore has been sanctioned to the Public Works Department for the structural strengthening of the 72 residential units located in Building No. 2, Rahulnagar, Sewri.
To facilitate the recovery of outstanding rent amounting to ?143.44 crore owed by nine private developers, approval was granted to revise the annual rent escalation rate from 10% to 5%, and the penal interest (late fee) rate from 16% to 8%.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued directives to submit a revised manpower plan—modeled after that of the SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority)—to ensure the availability of necessary human resources for the 'Shivshahi' project.
These decisions are being hailed as a significant step towards realizing Balasaheb Thackeray's dream of a 'Slum-Free Maharashtra.'