Slum scheme8217;s awkward comforts

MUMBAI, Oct 1: From a shanty to a highrise, from unsanitary conditions to upward mobility it was a giant leap for another 51 families living in Bhagat Singh Nagar slum colony as they received the key to their free abodes in Goregaon today and joined 96 of their neighbours. Yet for some, gratitude had place for attitude.

While the state government8217;s ambitious and controversial Shivshahi Punarvasan Prakalp SSPP free housing scheme wades in troubled waters, at the low-profile function attended by the local MLA Nandkumar Kale, 51 free houses in the second of the six buildings were handed over at Goregaon Link Road today. The remaining buildings, each seven-storey high with 96 flats, are still under construction.