Is the Maha Govt Ready to Transform Cooperative Housing Societies?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Empowerment of residents for housing improvements.
- Streamlined approval process for permits.
- Financial incentives and subsidies for loans.
- Realization of the common man's dream for better housing.
- Expansion of self-redevelopment beyond Mumbai.
Mumbai, July 17 (NationPress) Maharashtra Minister Pankaj Bhoyar announced on Thursday that the state government is implementing significant measures to empower registered cooperative housing societies to self-redevelop their buildings in both Mumbai and across Maharashtra.
The minister emphasized the government's commitment to support the self-redevelopment initiatives of housing societies state-wide.
In response to a brief discussion under Rule 97 led by Hemant Patil, Anil Parab, Niranjan Davkhare, Prasad Lad, Praveen Darekar, Sachin Ahir, and other council members, he stated, “Self-redevelopment is not merely a scheme; it represents the realization of the common man's aspiration for housing. The government's role is to transform concepts into reality, and we are actively pursuing this goal.”
Bhoyar pointed out that a government resolution was issued on September 13, 2019, to facilitate self-redevelopment for registered cooperative housing societies located on government and private land.
For effective execution of this initiative, the Darekar Committee recently submitted a report to the government, which will be discussed in the upcoming session.
He noted that approximately 15 housing societies, including Nandadeep, Shwetambar, Navrang, Chitra, Ajitkumar, Abhilasha, and Rakesh, successfully self-redeveloped, providing residents with 925 square foot flats instead of the previous 400 square foot, marking a significant achievement.
Additionally, Bhoyar mentioned that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation launched a single-window scheme on May 18, 2023, aimed at approving permits within 30 days.
The Revenue Department's decision, effective July 14, 2023, allows agreements to be registered for only Rs 100.
Efforts are also underway to establish an independent authority for this initiative, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressing positive support. A proposal has been made to reduce interest rates and offer a 4 percent subsidy, allowing loans at 7 percent instead of the current 11 percent.
Minister Bhoyar declared that the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank will serve as the nodal agency for this self-redevelopment scheme across the state, while the Mumbai District Central Cooperative Bank will manage it specifically for Mumbai.
He further stated that the government is working to make the floor space index (FSI) more appealing by accepting various suggestions. The government is determined to expand the self-redevelopment concept beyond Mumbai to the entire state and will collaborate with the Centre to facilitate the redevelopment of central government-owned land.