Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde has announced the state government’s ambitious plan to construct 8 lakh affordable houses within the next five years under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The initiative aligns with the central government’s vision of ‘Housing for All’ and will be implemented through the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).
Shinde made the announcement while attending the online lottery draw for 2,147 houses and 117 plots under the MHADA Konkan Housing Board on Monday. “MHADA’s trust among citizens is increasing, and we will ensure there is no compromise on quality. Transparency is key, and no one should have any reason to point fingers at the process,” he said.
The state’s new housing policy aims to provide homes not only for the general public but also for specific groups, including senior citizens, police personnel, mill workers, and Mumbai’s famous dabbawalas. The government is also focusing on developing hostels for students and working professionals to address housing challenges in urban areas.
The overwhelming response to MHADA’s housing lottery reflects the urgent need for affordable housing in Maharashtra. This year, 31,000 applicants competed for just 2,147 flats, underscoring the demand-supply gap. The housing units and plots under this lottery are spread across Thane, Raigad, and Sindhudurg districts.
To maintain transparency, MHADA adopted IHLMS 2.0 (Integrated Housing Lottery Management System), a fully digital system ensuring a fair selection process without manual intervention. The lottery results were displayed on large LED screens inside and outside the venue, while applicants also watched the live draw via MHADA’s official YouTube and Facebook channels.
Shinde also highlighted the state’s efforts in large-scale housing development, citing the biggest cluster redevelopment project in Asia, located in Thane. Dubbed a “city within a developed city,” the project will create a self-sustained urban hub, equipped with modern infrastructure and essential amenities.
With Maharashtra’s growing urban population, the government’s focus remains on affordable housing, redevelopment, and large-scale residential projects that cater to diverse socio-economic groups. “Our goal is to provide homes for everyone, ensuring a better quality of life for all residents,” Shinde reiterated.
