Former MLA Sandeep Naik has urged the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to reduce the prices of its housing units, following the example of MHADA, which has recently constituted an expert committee to make its homes more affordable. In a formal communication sent on January 16, 2025, Naik raised this demand in letters addressed to the Chief Minister, both Deputy Chief Ministers, the Forest Minister, the Urban Development Department, and CIDCO officials.
Naik pointed out that MHADA took cognizance of the fact that many of its housing units remain unsold due to exorbitant prices that are beyond the reach of the average citizen. In response, MHADA has formed a three-member expert committee to devise strategies for lowering housing rates without incurring financial losses. Based on this committee’s findings, MHADA is expected to revise and reduce the prices of its residential offerings.
Drawing a parallel, Naik emphasized that CIDCO must take similar steps, especially considering its large-scale lottery held in October 2024 under the “My Preferred CIDCO Home” scheme. The scheme offered 26,000 houses targeted at the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-Income Group (LIG) in key nodes like Panvel (W), Kharghar Bus Terminus, Mansarovar and Khandeshwar Railway Stations, Kharkopar Sector 16-A, and Vashi Truck Terminus. However, the pricing of these units — ranging between ₹73 lakh and ₹92 lakh — has drawn criticism for being comparable to private developers and unaffordable for the intended beneficiaries.
Naik further argued that such pricing goes against the spirit of the central government’s Affordable Housing Scheme, which aims to ensure housing for every citizen. He stated that since both MHADA and CIDCO are government-run entities, CIDCO must mirror MHADA’s citizen-centric approach and take immediate action to revise the pricing of its housing units.
In addition to the pricing issue, Naik has raised concerns over discrepancies in the promised versus allotted carpet area in CIDCO’s 2024 lottery. While the official brochure promised a 322 sq. ft. carpet area for LIG homes, the Letters of Intent (LOIs) issued post-lottery mention a RERA carpet area of only 27.12 sq. meters (approximately 291.91 sq. ft.), a shortfall of nearly 30 sq. ft.
In a follow-up letter dated March 14, 2025, Naik reiterated his demand that CIDCO uphold its original commitment and ensure beneficiaries receive the full 322 sq. ft. carpet area as announced. He urged authorities to intervene and prevent citizens from being shortchanged in both price and space.
