Surat EWS Housing Row: 1,000+ Flats Allegedly Rented Out

SURAT: A housing scheme meant to give the city’s poorest families a secure roof over their heads has allegedly turned into a source of rental income for beneficiaries, with more than 1,000 flats at Suman Vandan Awas in Jahangirpura reportedly being occupied by tenants instead of eligible allottees.

The allegations have raised serious questions over the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) enforcement mechanism.

The Suman Vandan Awas project comprises 12 buildings of 14 floors and four buildings of 12 floors, housing around 2,700 flats. Local residents allege that more than half of the units have been rented out by original beneficiaries who obtained the homes at subsidised or concessional rates.

According to residents, owners are collecting substantial monthly rent while genuinely needy families continue to wait for affordable housing.

“The municipal team repeatedly visits the society, conducts surveys and prepares panchnamas, but what happens afterwards? Only notices are issued,” a local resident alleged.

Residents claimed that tenants are asked to vacate the premises, but the absence of stringent action against the owners has allowed the practice to continue.

“The administration should act against the owners who are violating the conditions of the housing scheme, rather than merely completing paperwork,” another resident said.

The allegations have also prompted questions about possible lapses in monitoring and enforcement by civic officials. Residents have demanded an investigation into how subsidised houses are being transferred for rental use despite repeated surveys.

The issue has gained attention because the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has adopted tougher measures against such violations. Under its enforcement system, a first offence can attract a Rs 50,000 fine and sealing of the house, while a second offence can invite a Rs 1 lakh penalty. A third violation can lead to a police complaint.

The question now confronting the SMC is whether similar strict enforcement will be introduced in Surat.

The chairman of the SMC’s Slum Improvement Committee has reportedly directed officials to take strict action. However, residents say they are waiting for enforcement on the ground.