Indin Express 15.12.2009
Not benefited under EWS, claim families
The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) continued with its demolition drive on Monday, removing hutments in the JP Nagar, Ikbalnagar, and Jalaramnagar areas at Adajan along the embankment of the Tapi.
The drive has landed several families on the roadside as they have not been allotted houses by the municipal corporation under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme. The SMC demolished over 1,500 hutments in the drive which started on Sunday and continued till Monday.
Earlier on Sunday, the officials faced trouble as the people did not readily agree to leave their homes. The police had to lob teargas shells and order a lathi charge to bring the situation under control.
On the second day, the demolition drive continued smoothly with minor incidents of clash between the SMC officials and the slum-dwellers.
Several families claimed they have not been benefited with houses despite having proofs like municipal rent tax receipts, light bills, and election identity cards, among others.
Jalaramnagar resident Kalpesh Wagh told The Indian Express, “I have the proof necessary for the allotment of a house in the EWS quarters, but I have not been given the same.”He added: “There are many families in our area, who have not been provided with houses. Our leader Keshav Mayawanshi, who was residing in our area, has been allotted five quarters. We have given him the copies of our residence proof and he told us that we are liable for houses.”
SMC officials said some families have been shifted to the Rander Zone at Morgabhagal where the EWS quarters have been constructed.
Surat Municipal Commissioner S Aparna said: “The demolition drive was successfully carried out. We are allotting houses to the affected families. At present, a scrutiny is on to find out the beneficiaries. Those who have not been allotted houses will be benefited in the coming days.
She added: We will continue the drive in Subhashangar, Bapunagar and Menanagar in the coming days.”
