The Social Development Branch handles the sensitive process of rehabilitation and resettlement of people affected by MMRDA’s infrastructure projects, including Metro projects
Mumbai: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has ordered a wholesale change of its Social Development Branch, transferring all 16 officials and employees — from the deputy collector to peons — after Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee’s surprise inspection of the unit handling rehabilitation and housing for project-affected people (PAPs) . The presence of unauthorised persons in such a unit has therefore prompted the authority to tighten oversight. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
The move follows the detection of procedural lapses and the presence of unauthorised persons on the branch premises by Mukherjee during his inspection. He subsequently directed officials to undertake a detailed review of the branch’s functioning and strengthen administrative supervision and controls. Following the review, MMRDA decided to undertake a complete administrative restructuring of the branch. Employees working at different levels have been transferred and fresh responsibilities assigned for handling PAP cases, maintaining records, scrutinising applications and processing cases for further action. The deputy collector handling PAP-related matters, including cases linked to Metro projects, has also been transferred as part of the reshuffle. The branch plays a crucial role in facilitating rehabilitation housing for people displaced or affected by major infrastructure projects. It also processes applications and related documentation of eligible PAPs before allotment and other rehabilitation measures are undertaken. Given the sensitivity of PAP-related matters, the MMRDA administration has stressed the need for the process to remain transparent, properly documented and free from intermediaries. The wholesale transfers are being viewed as a significant administrative intervention aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring that project-affected families get a more transparent and direct mechanism for pursuing their rehabilitation claims. Download the TOI App.