The Maharashtra government on Wednesday appointed Iqbal Singh Chahal as the chairman of the Mumbai Police Housing Project, which is a Minister of State (MoS) post for a period of five years. The project which was approved by the cabinet last week is likely to provide relief to the more than 50,000 police personnel, most of whom travel from long distances to the city because they cannot afford to stay in the city due to high property prices.
What is the Mumbai Police Housing Township Project?
The project is expected to provide up to 40,000 new residences over a period of time to assist police personnel currently residing in inadequate and dilapidated accommodation. The project will use approximately 75 parcels of land in Bombay build 5,000 new residences in the first phase for personnel from the rank of police sub-inspector to police inspector as well as some senior officers. Ultimately, the project aims to expand up to 40,000 units.
At what cost is the project carried out and who will finance it?
The project will cover approximately 50 million square feet of land in the city and suburbs at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 20,000 crore. The state government will provide 30 per cent of the funds, while the remaining 70 per cent will be raised by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation in the form of loans from various financial institutions.
Why was the need felt for this project?
The Government Resolution that authorized the project cited the critical need for police personnel to reside closer to their workplace, especially in a city prone to emergencies, natural disasters and large-scale public gatherings. With more than 50 per cent of the force traveling 80 to 100 kilometers daily from areas like Virar, Palghar, Karjat and Panvel, the shortage had become a critical issue affecting operational efficiency and morale, the GR added.
What are the current dispositions of the force?
Mumbai Police currently operates with 51,308 personnel across 94 police stations, 5 armed units and several special branches. However, only 19,762 service residences are available, most of which are obsolete, narrow and structurally deficient, according to the government resolution (GR).
What will be IS Chahal’s role as the project chairman?
The project involves large-scale planning, land acquisition, coordination with multiple government agencies, infrastructure development, financial management and time-bound execution, which requires high-level management experience and expertise, mentioned the GR who appointed it. The government considers it advisable and necessary to appoint a retired senior official of proven administrative competence to provide strategic leadership, supervision and coordination for the successful and timely implementation of said project, the GR stated.
