Maharashtra Cabinet approves ‘iconic cities policy’ for land owned by CIDCO, other agencies

The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday (November 18) approved the “iconic cities” policy for better utilization of land owned by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and other state-run development agencies, officials said.

A release from the Chief Minister’s Office said the decision will pave the way for the development of integrated townships, residential areas and business zones of international standards with specific themes by these authorities.

It said this policy will ensure effective utilization of land parcels owned by CIDCO and various authorities across the state.

The Cabinet also approved the redevelopment of MHADA housing projects spread over 20 acres or more in the Mumbai suburban area. This will significantly increase the availability of affordable housing in Mumbai and its suburbs, the release said.

In another decision, the Cabinet approved creation of new posts in the Relief and Rehabilitation Department to expedite pending cases related to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement.

In the meeting, the Skill Development Department got approval for 339 posts in Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University. Of these, 232 are teaching posts and 107 are non-teaching posts.

In line with the directions of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet approved removal of derogatory words from the Maharashtra Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959. Words like “leper”, “suffering from leprosy”, “leprosy patient” will be removed from the Act.

The Cabinet also approved the proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Public Trust Act, 1950, the release said.