Mumbai, February 24, 2024 – In a landmark decision aimed at promoting gender equality and ensuring financial security for women, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), Brihanmumbai, has issued Circular No. 222, mandating the inclusion of both husband and wife’s names in Annexure-II of the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme. This decision, rooted in the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance, and Redevelopment) Act, 1971, is set to benefit thousands of slum dwellers across the city by ensuring that homes allotted under the scheme recognize joint ownership between spouses.
The circular emphasizes the necessity of joint property registration to strengthen women’s rights, providing them with security in cases of marital disputes or the death of their spouse. According to SRA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar, “This initiative is a crucial step in protecting the rights of women and ensuring they have legal ownership over their homes. By formalizing joint ownership, we are providing women with the recognition and security they deserve.”
The new directive outlines several measures for implementation. Authorities must ensure that the names of both husband and wife are recorded while issuing Annexure-II of the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme. When rehabilitated slum dwellers receive new flats, their names must appear jointly on the allotment slips. Additionally, the Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies, SRA, will oversee the inclusion of both spouses as ‘Joint Members’ in housing societies formed under the rehabilitation scheme. Share certificates and membership documents will also reflect joint ownership.
Supporting SRA decision Rajiv Agrawal, Co-Founder of Saarathi Realtors leaders in slum human management said,“ The Slum Rehabilitation Authority’s move to mandate joint ownership of property between spouses is a progressive step toward gender equality in housing. This decision will provide women with much-needed financial security and legal recognition in property matters. As a real estate professional, I believe such initiatives will not only empower women but also create a more inclusive and stable urban housing ecosystem,’’ said Rajiv Agrawal, Co-founder of Saarathi Realtors, supporting the decision:
This directive aligns with various Maharashtra Government decisions from 1992, 2007, 2015, and 2022, all aimed at improving housing security for slum dwellers. By reinforcing joint ownership, the state government is taking another step towards gender equity in property rights and financial stability for urban poor communities. Women’s rights activists and urban development experts have lauded the move, emphasizing that it will reduce legal disputes and provide a sense of security to women who often face difficulties in claiming ownership of their homes after the loss of their spouse.
Haji Bashir Shaikh, a resident of Bharat Nagar Ekta CHS in BKC, praised the decision, saying, “This is a great step towards ensuring women’s rights in slum properties. Including my wife’s name in the property gives her financial security and rightful ownership. Many families in our community are now following this practice, which will help women feel more empowered and secure in their homes.”
Authorities have been directed to take immediate action to implement the circular, and cooperative housing societies under the rehabilitation scheme must ensure compliance. With this progressive decision, Mumbai continues its efforts to create an inclusive and equitable urban landscape where the rights of all citizens, particularly women, are upheld and protected.
