Residents of Motnath Residency in Vadodara are protesting the allocation of a house to a Muslim woman under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (MAY), claiming it violates the Disturbed Areas Act. Here are the key points of the situation:
1. **Background of the Scheme**: Motnath Residency, located in the Harni area of Vadodara, is a housing complex built under the government’s Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, with 462 units predominantly occupied by Hindu families.
2. **Disturbed Areas Act**: This act, implemented by the Gujarat government, requires approval from the district collector for property transactions in designated "disturbed areas." It prohibits direct property sales between people of different faiths without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local residents.
3. **Protests by Residents**: Residents argue that the allocation of the house to a Muslim woman contravenes the Disturbed Areas Act. They allege corruption among officials for not enforcing the Act in this case. They have expressed discomfort with a Muslim family living in their predominantly Hindu community, citing potential tensions.
4. **Allegations of Corruption**: Atul Gamechi, a resident, stated that the Disturbed Areas Act should have been enforced, preventing the allotment to a Muslim family. Residents are demanding the cancellation of the allotment and threatening protests if no action is taken.
5. **Municipal Corporation’s Response**: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has refuted the allegations, explaining that the house was allotted through a lottery system conducted in 2017 before the Disturbed Areas Act was implemented in that area. The necessary paperwork was completed in 2018.
6. **Legal Standpoint**: Dr. Sheetal Mistry, Chairman of the VMC Standing Committee, clarified that the allotment was legally conducted and cannot be canceled. The administration is, however, trying to persuade the homeowner to vacate the property due to residents' complaints.
The issue highlights the tension between government housing policies and local sentiments influenced by the Disturbed Areas Act. It also underscores the challenges of integrating diverse communities within such housing schemes.
