Mumbai’s state housing agency, Mhada, has launched an amnesty scheme to assist housing societies in obtaining long-delayed occupancy certificates (OCs) for redeveloped buildings. The initiative, announced on Monday, is expected to benefit approximately 80 housing societies and will be available until April 10, 2025.
Key Reliefs Under the Scheme
Many housing societies faced significant delays in receiving OCs due to their inability to pay the premium differential amount required for redevelopment. To address this, Mhada has:
- Waived interest on the differential amount: Societies now only need to pay the principal amount.
- 75% penalty waiver for older projects: Buildings redeveloped under the 1991 DC regulations will receive a substantial reduction in penalties for unauthorized construction or usage.
Policy Reforms Announced
Mhada also introduced reforms to ensure fairer financial obligations for beneficiaries:
- Maintenance charges and property taxes: These will now be applicable only from the date of possession rather than the date of allotment.
- Accountability for possession delays: Mhada VP and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal clarified that flats and plots will remain under Mhada’s responsibility until possession is officially granted.
This move aims to expedite the resolution of long-pending redevelopment issues while easing financial burdens on housing societies, fostering smoother operations in the city’s real estate sector.
