In a first after a demolition, Gujarat government offers free homes, repairs in Surat

In a groundbreaking decision following a demolition controversy in Surat's Nasir Nagar, the Gujarat government announced on Tuesday that it would provide free government housing for 29 families whose homes were completely destroyed, and repair work for 35 partially damaged structures. Advocate General Kamal Trivedi presented the proposal to the Gujarat High Court, citing a recent survey conducted by state authorities.

The move comes after the court rejected the previous rehabilitation plan, which would have required victims to pay Rs 5.5 lakh each for government housing. The High Court expressed strong disapproval of the demolition, maintaining that it was executed without legal authority. The proposal marks a significant shift from the government's earlier stance, which required victims to apply under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme with high out-of-pocket costs.

The court's intervention stems from petitions filed by 26 residents of Nasir Nagar, who questioned the continued presence of senior municipal and police officers facing scrutiny.