In a bid to address the housing needs of the migrant population, Pune Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar has proposed a rental housing scheme set to be launched in the city. The announcement came during the presentation of the civic budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, where Kumar highlighted the challenges faced by citizens migrating to Pune for employment and education.
The pilot phase of the rental housing scheme is scheduled to commence in the Baner area. Kumar emphasized that a significant number of individuals relocating to Pune often struggle to afford rental properties, prompting the civic body’s proactive response.
“The details of the scheme are yet to be finalized, but there will be specific terms and conditions, with income being one of the key criteria,” stated Kumar. City Engineer Prashant Waghmare further clarified that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) would work towards finalizing the terms and conditions before the official launch of the scheme.
“As individuals arriving for jobs find it challenging to afford rental accommodations, PMC aims to facilitate the process in the initial years. Our goal is to provide them with housing for a year or two, allowing them to improve their circumstances and eventually transition to their own or other properties,” explained Waghmare.
The rental housing initiative will utilize the flats constructed under various schemes, including the Prime Minister Awas Yojana and slum rehabilitation projects. These units will be repurposed to serve the objective of providing affordable rental housing to those in need.
Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar highlighted that the PMC is receiving grants from the central government to develop town planning schemes in the city, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of the rental housing initiative.
This forward-thinking approach by the Pune civic body reflects a commitment to inclusive urban development, ensuring that housing remains accessible to all segments of the population.
