Mumbai’s MHADA Begins Biometric Registration in Transit Camps
In a major step towards improving transparency and accountability, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has commenced a biometric survey across its transit camps in Mumbai and its suburbs. The initiative, launched with the goal of verifying the residency status of tenants, has seen significant participation on its first day, with 195 residents from Sahakar Nagar, Chembur completing the biometric registration process.
MHADA’s Mumbai Building Repairs & Redevelopment Board is overseeing the survey of 34 transit camps scattered across the city, a vital move aimed at streamlining the housing and rehabilitation process for legitimate tenants while addressing issues of unauthorized occupancy. As per a government resolution from September 13, 2019, the state has mandated the classification of residents into three categories to determine eligibility for further housing schemes. These categories are as follows:
- Category A: Original residents who were relocated to the transit camps under government schemes.
- Category B: Individuals who have tenancy rights transferred to them via a legal instrument like power of attorney.
- Category C: Unauthorized occupants who have moved into these camps without proper authorization.
The biometric survey will utilize Aadhaar details and e-KYC authentication to cross-check the residency records of all tenants. This process aims to authenticate the status of residents and help MHADA accurately classify them. Residents will be required to provide necessary identification documents to ensure proper registration, and the initiative has already garnered a positive response from the camps, with increasing participation expected as the survey continues. The survey schedule will roll out as follows: starting at Sahakar Nagar, Chembur on February 11, it will proceed to Bimbisar Nagar, Goregaon East, from February 12 to 17, 2025. After that, other camps and rental housing societies will also be included in the biometric registration process.
This survey is a crucial part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the rehabilitation process for eligible residents, ensuring that only those with legal tenancy rights receive support. Additionally, it aims to create a more transparent housing allocation system by identifying unauthorized occupants who do not meet the necessary criteria. By digitizing and verifying these records, MHADA hopes to lay the foundation for more effective policy implementation in the future. With growing concerns over the misuse of government housing resources, this survey is expected to be a pivotal move in Mumbai’s housing sector. By setting the stage for a more efficient process, MHADA is not only improving its housing system but also contributing to the broader goal of equitable access to housing for the city’s vast population.
