On Tuesday, Maharashtra’s Legislative Assembly will take up a resolution to repeal a three decades-old control on how much land can be used for private construction — the prime reason for the total absence of affordable housing in Mumbai and for the unrealistic prices that Mumbai’s real estate commands.

But the Vilasrao Deshmukh government, which has been told by the Centre to repeal the Urban Land Ceiling (Regulation) Act before March 2008 if it wants to continue receiving financial assistance under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), is taking up the resolution only two days before the monsoon session ends. During the Budget session too, Deshmukh had moved the resolution on the concluding day.

The timing clearly indicates the government’s reluctance — the Act gives officials and politicians immense powers to dole out favours to individuals and institutions. But majority legislators are expected to vote in favour. The reason: The Congress, NCP and even the Opposition BJP are in favour of repealing the archaic law.

But even on this issue, the saffron combine is a divided house. The Shiv Sena is vehemently opposed to the repeal of ULCRA. “It is a conspiracy to favour the rich and drive out the poor, especially the Marathi manoos from Mumbai,” says Leader of Opposition Ramdas Kadam.

“We want the government to acquire whatever land is rendered surplus under the Act and distribute it for housing societies of the poor people. The repeal of the Act will only help those in power and builders who will mint money.”

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