The very concept of welfare state lies on the plinth of providing basic amenities to its citizens. Housing is a crucial indicator reflecting national prosperity. Sadly, even past over six decades the government has miserably failed to provide roof over its every citizen’s head.

In order to provide affordable housing to underprivileged the Maharashtra government set up housing authorities MHADA and CIDCO at a time when even affording a shanty in Mumbai or its nearby suburbs has become a distant dream. But, like most state policies, even these two bodies fail to serve their purpose. Ironically, MHADA is selling flats at almost the market rate and now, new entrant CIDCO is following suit.

Both the housing organizations, that reportedly provide reasonable flats, are overlooking the fact that the common man depends on them for accommodation as they expect their prices to be lower than the market rate. However, the rates aren’t anywhere near to being reasonable.

MHADA and CIDCO don’t have to purchase land, unlike private builders, as most of the land on which they construct their buildings belongs to the government.

Despite this, they are selling homes at market rates. Apart from this, they sell forms, collect deposits, raking in several crores of rupees; the bodies also earn interest on these deposits.