Pune, Correspondent
A massive protest march was organized today by the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) to demand immediate action against developers responsible for stalled slum rehabilitation projects in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The march was led by VBA founder-president Balasaheb Ambedkar.
During the protest, a delegation from the party held discussions with officials of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). The officials reportedly agreed in principle to replace developers of projects that have been stalled for the past five years and to initiate penal action against them.
Officials also agreed to the demand that, similar to Mumbai, eligible and ineligible slum dwellers should be provided with ₹15,000 as monthly rent compensation. Additionally, they assured that complaints from slum dwellers declared ineligible would be reviewed and that their eligibility status could be reconsidered.
In its memorandum, the VBA delegation firmly demanded that every slum dweller should receive a quality home with a minimum area of 500 square feet.
Balasaheb Ambedkar urged the participants to support VBA candidates in the upcoming elections, stating that if the demand for 500-square-foot homes is not withdrawn, a final decision on the issue could soon be achieved.
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