India, March 1 -- Families of former mill workers, who were allotted homes in Kon village, Panvel, have accused the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) of neglect and imposing exorbitant maintenance charges despite failing to ensure proper upkeep of the buildings. The residents claim they are being charged Rs.4,500 per month while facing severe infrastructural issues.

The state government had promised subsidised housing for former mill workers and their families. However, out of an estimated 1.5 lakh eligible workers, only about 15,000 have received their promised dwellings. Many who secured homes say they were pushed out of Mumbai's limits into an isolated area and have faced multiple challenges since.

Ganesh Sup...