Allegations of Crores in Corruption in 1300 Ahmedabad Homes, Banners at AMC Zone Office

Around 1300 houses in the Shivam Awas Scheme located in Ahmedabad’s Odhav area were built by the Municipal Corporation under the Slum Redevelopment Policy. Banners alleging corruption in the houses built at the cost of crores of rupees have been put up at the Municipal Corporation’s East Zone office. The houses in this scheme were constructed by J.P. Iscon Private Limited at a substantial expense. However, allegations have been made that smaller houses were built and fraud was committed even in laying paver blocks. National spokesperson of Indian Youth Congress, Kapil Desai, has put up banners inviting people to come and see the corruption in the construction of the houses in the Shivam Awas Scheme.

1300 New Houses Built by the Corporation

Following the collapse of two blocks in the Shivam Awas Scheme in Odhav, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation demolished the entire scheme and built new houses. Approximately 1300 new houses were constructed by the Municipal Corporation. However, the residents of these houses claim that smaller houses have been given. The Redevelopment Policy does not require an NOC from the original owner. Yet, NOCs were demanded from the residents of the Shivam Awas Scheme houses. There should be an anganwadi, but it has not been built. Only a health center has been constructed, which is also being criticized.

Authorities Unmoved by Protests

Kapil Desai, the national spokesperson of the Indian Youth Congress, stated that protests and demonstrations, as well as submissions of memorandums to the Commissioner and Collector, have been held at the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation office. Despite these efforts, the authorities remain unmoved. Hence, today, banners have been put up at the East Zone office of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and areas like Odhav and Viratnagar. These banners invite the citizens of Ahmedabad to come and witness the corruption in the Shivam Awas Scheme in Odhav. It is alleged that crores of rupees have been embezzled and the local citizens have been wronged.

Only 10 to 15 People Have Received Keys

Regarding the ongoing issues in the Odhav Shivam Awas Scheme, it has been learned that the Housing Project Division of the Municipal Corporation has taken consent forms signed by around 70 people who did not have the original owner’s NOC and is preparing to allot them houses. The Corporation is also now ready to build an anganwadi and a community hall. Local citizens have to pay Rs. 37,500 for maintenance. Beneficiaries must deposit a demand draft of Rs. 12,500 while receiving the house keys. However, so far, only about 200 people have submitted the demand draft, and only 10 to 15 people have received keys. People are yet to move in.

No 25 Square Meter Houses

An official from the Housing Project stated that there were only 18 square meter houses, and no 25 square meter houses existed. We have provided 30-meter houses. There has been no representation from the 94 people regarding their residence status. No NOC is taken from those who are already residing and are to receive a house. If someone sold their house, the original owner is identified and the house is allocated to them as they have the right to the property. Assurance has been given to avoid any allocation issues. Building an anganwadi is not mandatory, but if requested, we will build it in the office area. Power supply and other work will be completed in two days and possession will be given.

94 Beneficiaries Yet to Receive NOC

The Shivam Awas Scheme is being built by J.P. Iscon Private Limited. NOCs were requested from the beneficiaries. More than 1100 beneficiaries have somehow managed to submit the NOCs. However, 94 beneficiaries are yet to receive the NOC. Local residents allege that houses were not given until the NOC was provided. Some people did not find the original owner for a year or six months and hence did not get the NOC, nor were they given rent. Maintenance money is being collected, but there is no clarity on who will manage these funds.