Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, issued a firm warning on Sunday to builders and officials involved in delays and disruptions in redevelopment projects in Mumbai, stating that they will face severe consequences, including blacklisting and imprisonment. Goyal's remarks were made during the handover of new homes to 150 families under a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme in the Kandivali suburb.

Goyal emphasised that true development goes beyond GDP figures; it lies in ensuring every citizen has a secure, permanent, and dignified home. He stressed that until every individual has access to such housing, the government's work remains unfinished.

While acknowledging the successful completion of the project at Kandivali, the minister highlighted that the government would not tolerate negligence, corruption, or delays in the SRA redevelopment process. "Builders who abandon projects, halt rent payments, or deliver substandard work will be blacklisted. In severe cases, they may face imprisonment. I also demand that action be taken against government officials who collude with such builders," Goyal stated.

The minister also underlined that beneficiaries of the redevelopment must have the right to choose their developer, free from political or administrative interference. He called for the SRA process to be transparent and fully accountable, ensuring fairness for all parties involved.