Maharashtra to set up committees to probe irregularities in slum development projects

Even as the fast by National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) leader Medha Patkar seeking amendment to the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, entered eighth day on Friday, the Maharashtra government has decided to constitute two joint committees comprising members of civil society to probe irregularities in slum development projects. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan called on Ms. Patkar late on Thursday night to evolve a consensus through discussion.

On Friday, negotiations were held with officials. The government has prepared a draft resolution on the outcome of negotiations.

Mukta Srivastava of the NAPM told The Hindu over telephone that one committee of three members would investigate irregularities in the slum rehabilitation of the Ganesh Kripa society — a colony in the suburb of Khar where Ms. Patkar is leading the agitation.

The second committee will consist of five members — three from civil society and two from the government. It will probe violations with reference to on the 3K clause of the Slum rehabilitation Act in 15 societies, as pointed out by the activists.