The Maharashtra government, led by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has announced a housing project under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to construct 12,000 homes for the dabbawala and cobbler communities. This initiative will see 500 sq ft homes being built at an estimated cost of ₹25 lakh each on a 30-acre site near Thane, with a no-profit-no-loss model being adopted by the developers, Priyanka Homes Realty and Naman Builders. The project aims to fulfill the long-standing dream of dabbawalas, who have served the city for over a century, to own homes in Mumbai. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) will oversee the implementation of the project, which is expected to be completed within three years. Additionally, Fadnavis plans to unveil a scheme allowing farmers to sell surplus electricity from solar panels to the grid, enhancing their income potential. This housing initiative aligns with the government's broader goal of providing affordable housing and direct benefits to various communities ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.