In a surprising development, both a former central minister and a BJP MLA had rejected the same MHADA home due to its high cost.
State Housing Minister Atul Save on Wednesday confirmed that former Central Minister Dr. Bhagwat Karad declined the offer of a MHADA home, citing the steep prices. This follows a similar decision by BJP MLA Narayan Kuche, who had won the most expensive home in the 2023 MHADA lottery. The property, located at Crescent Towers, Tardeo, was priced at ₹7.57 crore and was allocated to Kuche through the MP/MLA quota. Kuche’s victory had initially displaced Karad, who was then serving as a central minister in the Modi cabinet.
Despite securing the home in the lottery, Kuche decided not to proceed, stating that the property’s cost was beyond his means. Under MHADA rules, if a winner declines their allotted home, the next person on the waiting list is given the opportunity. In this case, that person was Bhagwat Karad. However, Karad also chose to forgo the home, citing the same concern over the high price.
In response to significant public backlash over the high prices of homes in the MHADA lottery, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has announced a 10% reduction in prices for High Income Group (HIG) homes. The price adjustment follows criticism from citizens about the affordability of homes in the recent lottery, which initially offered 2030 properties.
The new pricing will apply to 370 homes advertised under the DCPR 33 & 5 guidelines, including the property initially won by Kuche and subsequently refused by both leaders. The price reductions are as follows: 25% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), 20% for Low Income Group (LIG), 15% for Middle Income Group (MIG), and 10% for HIG homes.
MHADA’s decision to reduce prices aims to address the affordability concerns and provide a more equitable opportunity for potential buyers. The adjusted homes will be available in an upcoming lottery, offering renewed hope to those seeking housing in Mumbai.
