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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 7:24:18 pm

CIDCO struggles to find takers for its homes

Mumbai: The City and Industrial Development Corporation’s (CIDCO) latest housing scheme has exposed a recurring challenge for the planning authority: finding buyers for its large housing inventory despite its affordable-housing focus. The August 2026 scheme offered 4,793 homes in Taloja, Kharghar and Kalamboli and received 4,180 confirmed applications before bookings closed on September 3. While CIDCO described the response as strong, 613 homes—nearly 13 per cent of the inventory—had no...

CIDCO struggles to find takers for its homes

Mumbai: The City and Industrial Development Corporation’s (CIDCO) latest housing scheme has exposed a recurring challenge for the planning authority: finding buyers for its large housing inventory despite its affordable-housing focus. The August 2026 scheme offered 4,793 homes in Taloja, Kharghar and Kalamboli and received 4,180 confirmed applications before bookings closed on September 3. While CIDCO described the response as strong, 613 homes—nearly 13 per cent of the inventory—had no confirmed applicant. This follows earlier schemes with similar gaps. In January 2025, CIDCO’s ‘My Preferred Home’ scheme, offering around 26,000 homes across Navi Mumbai, attracted 1.36 lakh initial applications. However, only about 55,000 applicants paid the registration fee and around 22,000 deposited the required earnest money, leaving serious participation below the number of homes offered. A CAG-linked report on two CIDCO housing schemes in Kharghar found that, of 4,814 saleable tenements, allotment letters had been issued to 3,733 applicants and possession handed over to 3,317. Four years after the draw, 1,081 tenements remained unsold. CIDCO has also faced scrutiny over marketing expenditure. In 2023, reports questioned the appointment of private agencies to market and allot PMAY homes, stating that the agencies had received advances of more than Rs 100 crore before sales took place. CIDCO officials said external support was necessary given the scale of the programme. The scale of investment adds to the concern. CIDCO’s mass-housing programme envisaged 68,515 homes at an estimated cost of around Rs 15,300 crore. A 2024 report noted that thousands of completed homes were awaiting sale, locking up capital and increasing the authority’s financial burden. The latest homes are located in Taloja Sector 39, Kalamboli Bus Depot and Kharghar Bus Depot. Taloja accounts for 4,229 homes, followed by 257 in Kalamboli and 293 in Kharghar. Indicative prices range from around Rs 23.50 lakh in Taloja to Rs 37.70 lakh in Kalamboli and Rs 43.50 lakh in Kharghar. The figures point to a possible mismatch between what CIDCO considers affordable and what its target buyers can finance. Industry experts have noted that EWS homes priced at Rs 25 lakh or more may be difficult for households within the prescribed income ceiling, particularly after registration, stamp duty, floor-rise charges and other costs. Location may also influence demand. Taloja has seen rapid development and improved connectivity, including metro access, but buyers continue to weigh its distance from established employment centres and social infrastructure, as well as commuting costs. CIDCO maintains that its housing programme meets a genuine need in Navi Mumbai. Ashwin Mudgal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, CIDCO, said, “The overwhelming response to the housing scheme reflects the aspirations of citizens to own a home in Navi Mumbai and their continued confidence in CIDCO’s planned development initiatives. CIDCO remains committed to providing affordable and quality housing opportunities in well-planned locations, enabling citizens to benefit from the region’s growing infrastructure and connectivity.” The authority has also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) subsidy, under which eligible beneficiaries can receive Rs 2.5 lakh, subject to applicable guidelines and eligibility criteria. However, the repeated unsold inventory suggests that CIDCO’s challenge extends beyond construction. Pricing, apartment configurations, location, payment flexibility and connectivity may need to be reassessed before further public resources are committed.

Presidential Debates: The Defining Stage in US Elections

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Presidential Debates

On September 10, 2024, the United States witnessed a pivotal moment in its political history as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle. The event, held in Philadelphia and broadcast by ABC News, marked a significant shift in the American political landscape.

This debate was not the matchup many had anticipated even a few months ago. In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden was forced to withdraw from the race in July, following mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party. The catalyst for this dramatic shift was Biden’s poor performance in a June 27 debate against Trump, which raised serious doubts about his mental acuity and stamina. Ultimately, Biden announced his withdrawal on July 21, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee.

For those readers in India who may not be familiar with the tradition, presidential debates have been a cornerstone of American elections since 1960. These televised events offer voters a chance to see candidates discuss key issues face-to-face, often influencing the election outcome.

The Birth of Televised Debates

The modern era of presidential debates began in 1960 with the historic face-off between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This series of four televised debates marked a turning point in American politics, showcasing the power of television to influence public opinion. An estimated 66 million viewers tuned in to watch the first debate, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in U.S. television history at the time.

The Kennedy-Nixon debates highlighted the importance of appearance and presentation in politics. While radio listeners reportedly favoured Nixon, television viewers were swayed by Kennedy’s charismatic on-screen presence. This disparity underscored the significant impact visual media could have on shaping public perceptions of candidates.


A Hiatus and Revival

Following the 1960 debates, there was a 16-year hiatus before presidential debates resumed. In 1976, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford reignited the tradition of debating at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. This revival set the stage for presidential debates to become a regular feature of election cycles.


The Commission on Presidential Debates

In 1987, the Commission on Presidential Debates was established as a bipartisan, non-profit organisation to organise and oversee presidential debates. This commission has since played a crucial role in standardising the debate format and ensuring fair representation of candidates.

In recent years, presidential debates have continued to evolve. The 2016 debates between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton drew record-breaking audiences, with the first debate attracting over 84 million viewers. On the other hand, the 2020 election cycle saw unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation of one debate and the implementation of new safety measures.

The Latest Debate

Last week’s debate covered a wide range of topics crucial to the American electorate. Immigration, always a contentious issue, took centre stage early on. Trump reiterated his hardline stance, while Harris advocated for a more compassionate approach, emphasising the contributions of immigrants to American society.

Another hot-button issue was the economy, which saw heated exchanges. Trump touted his previous administration’s tax cuts and deregulation policies, claiming they would “bring back American jobs.” Harris countered with proposals for an increased minimum wage and expanded social programs, arguing they would “lift all Americans.”


Public Response

The public response to the debate was mixed, with supporters of both candidates claiming victory. Social media buzzed with reactions, memes, and fact-checking in real-time, reflecting the deeply polarised nature of the electorate. Media outlets offered varied interpretations, with some praising Harris for her poise and others commending Trump’s forceful defence of his policies. Political analysts noted that while the debate was unlikely to change the minds of staunch supporters, it may have swayed some undecided voters who were looking for clarity on key issues. Early polling data suggested a near-even split in public perception of the candidates’ performances, indicating a tightly contested race.

As the dust settles on this debate, the race to the White House continues, with the next presidential election scheduled for November 5th. With only weeks remaining, both campaigns will focus on mobilising their bases and reaching out to undecided voters. Further debates and key campaign events are expected to follow, offering additional opportunities for the candidates to present their visions for America’s future. In the meantime, the world is closely watching the US presidential election, as its outcome could have a global impact for many years to come.

(The writer is an IT professional. Views personal)

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