Today there are many cases of young professionals, some of whom I know personally, who are unable to find suitable accommodation in south Bombay. In one case the husband works in Bombay, while his wife and young daughter have to reside with parents in Poona due to lack of affordable accommodation.
There is another case of three people living in a one-room flat in a building which is slated for demolition. They were given accommodation in north Bombay’s suburbs. In another deserving case where the husband is employed as an electronic engineer and the daughter is earning a modest salary, the family needs urgent accommodation somewhere in south Bombay.
Unfortunately, in the present scenario, trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) and of other trusts are asking for lakhs of rupees for rented accommodation from Zoroastrians who do not have access to such huge sums of money. We encourage the Jiyo Parsi project, but without accommodation will this venture achieve its goal? With today’s traffic situation it is of utmost importance that accommodation is made available in south Bombay. Leaders of the community have to act fast to help youngsters obtain accommodation and funds must be used to meet present day needs. Perhaps a small subcommittee to screen such cases could help the BPP.
Dr FIROZE DARA MIRZA
The editors reply:
The BPP and other trusts do give a priority to newly married Zoroastrians but there is a limit on the number of flats available. Building more housing in a community with fast dwindling numbers is also problematic. Even donors who want to assist face hurdles. The level of distrust and ignorance is high. But sound leadership can resolve much of the limitations and overcome opposition.