Mumbai: While welcoming the

decision to reserve 10%

houses for police personnel, Abraham Mathai, former vice-chairman of state

commission, has asked the

government

for a 15%

for minorities in housing

.

In a letter to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, Mathai has said one way to halt increasing polarisation is to encourage mixed living. “Maharashtra can take the lead for others to emulate and can reserve

for minorities in Mhada,

and other state government schemes, I had made a recommendation way back in 2003 when I was vice-chairman in the state minorities commission,” said Mathai. He added he was forced to make the suggestion after actor Emran Hashmi was denied a house in Bandra. Mathai suggested the government rope in private developers and give incentives for the quota.

“Co-existence of multiple communities will enhance social cohesion and communal harmony and inculcate the true spirit of nationhood and real love for the nation,” he said, citing ghettos such as Bhendi Bazaar and Mumbra as a result of denial of houses to Muslims in posh colonies.tnn