MHADA Introduces Amnesty Scheme for Housing Societies in Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 7 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has officially rolled out a distinctive Amnesty Scheme designed to aid housing societies in Mumbai and its surrounding areas in obtaining their long-overdue Occupancy Certificates for redeveloped buildings. This initiative is projected to assist around 80 housing societies and will be in effect until April 10.

Many housing societies faced challenges in settling the premium differential amount for redevelopment, which resulted in delays in acquiring occupancy certificates. Through this scheme, MHADA has eliminated the interest on the premium differential amount. Societies are now required to pay solely the principal amount. Furthermore, buildings redeveloped under the 1991 Development Control Regulations will receive a 75 percent waiver on penalties associated with unauthorized construction or usage.

The Chief Officer of the Mumbai Board, Milind Borikar, has urged all housing societies with outstanding occupancy certificates to capitalize on this scheme and finalize their procedures before the deadline.

The Mumbai Board of MHADA oversees 114 layouts, which encompass approximately 2.25 lakh housing units. Among these, 56 layouts are older and currently undergoing redevelopment. Housing societies that received redevelopment approvals from July 29, 2004, to June 4, 2007, were previously issued notices to settle the premium differential amount. However, due to non-payment, occupancy certificates were not granted to these societies, leading to significant issues for members, including escalated property taxes and water charges. Members also encountered difficulties in buying or selling flats.

The Amnesty Scheme extends to housing societies that secured redevelopment permissions between January 7, 1912, and November 12, 2018, under the 1991 Development Control Regulations. Occupancy certificates will now be issued based on the allocated plot areas as sanctioned by MHADA. Covered balconies, flower beds, and similar extensions will be considered during the issuance of the certificates. Societies with unauthorized constructions beyond sanctioned plans will benefit from a 75 percent waiver on penalties, although the remaining amount must be paid according to MHADA’s regulations.

According to MHADA, for cases involving construction beyond the approved building plans or alterations to maps, correction fees will apply. The 75 percent penalty waiver will still be valid for such societies. This scheme aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by societies and their members due to delays in acquiring occupancy certificates. Developers who have completed redevelopment and transferred buildings to societies will also find relief, as this scheme lightens the financial load on societies and their members.

Further details regarding this Amnesty Scheme can be found on MHADA’s official website: https://mhada.gov.in