Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday directed officials to study Mumbai's slum redevelopment model and prepare a detailed roadmap for implementing a similar, and potentially improved, framework in Karnataka. The directive came during a Housing Department progress review meeting in Bengaluru, where Shivakumar emphasized the need to accelerate housing initiatives and improve living conditions for economically weaker sections.

During the meeting, Shivakumar instructed officials to visit Mumbai and examine its slum redevelopment projects in detail. He asked them to submit a comprehensive report before the next Cabinet meeting outlining how Karnataka could adopt a comparable model while ensuring larger built-up areas for beneficiaries than those provided under Mumbai's redevelopment schemes. The proposal is aimed at addressing urban housing challenges and creating sustainable living spaces for residents of slum settlements across the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister also expressed concern over the slow pace of rural housing construction and the distribution of residential sites to eligible beneficiaries. Stressing that every poor family deserves access to adequate housing, he directed officials to prioritise both house construction and site allotment programmes. He called for faster implementation of pending projects and greater efficiency in ensuring that housing benefits reach intended recipients without unnecessary delays.

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In a significant policy direction, Shivakumar ordered officials to discontinue the existing housing allotment auction system and replace it with a transparent public lottery mechanism. Questioning whether auctions truly benefited deserving applicants, he argued that such systems often favour individuals with greater financial resources rather than those most in need of housing assistance. The proposed lottery-based approach, he said, would promote fairness and equal opportunity in the allocation process.

The Deputy Chief Minister further stressed the importance of thorough planning before launching housing projects. He cautioned against constructing houses without first assessing actual demand and warned that poorly planned developments could result in underutilised infrastructure and wasted public resources. According to him, housing initiatives must be based on realistic needs assessments and integrated development strategies.

Shivakumar also highlighted the need to complement housing projects with essential infrastructure and connectivity. He directed officials to ensure that new housing developments are supported by basic amenities such as roads, water supply, sanitation facilities, and access to public services. The emphasis on comprehensive planning reflects the state's broader objective of improving housing quality while creating sustainable and well-connected communities for beneficiaries across Karnataka.

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