MHADA extends amnesty scheme for housing societies awaiting occupancy certificates until December 31
In a huge relief to housing societies that are waiting for occupancy certificates, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has also extended the time for its two current special amnesty schemes until December 31, 2025. The extension, sanctioned under the supervision of MHADA's vice-president and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal is likely to benefit almost 80 housing societies in Mumbai.
The extension is for two schemes: one for issuing occupancy certificates (OC) to redeveloped buildings under the 1991 Development Control Regulations (DCR), and another for waiving interest on additional premium amounts charged during redevelopment under MHADA's jurisdiction.
According to Authority Resolution No. 6260, MHADA's Mumbai Board will continue to waive interest on pending additional premiums levied on housing societies. These societies will now pay only the principal amount, relieving the financial burden that has slowed the granting of occupancy certificates for most projects.
At the same time, the Building Permission Cell is also offering an amnesty scheme for buildings redeveloped under DCR 1991. The scheme gives a 'concession' of up to 75 per cent on penalty charges imposed for unauthorised use of rooms like enclosed flowerbeds or balconies and minor variations from approved plans. It will be applicable to buildings that took building permissions under DCR 1991 till November 12, 2018.
Several societies were issued No-Objection Certificates (NOC) or Letters of Intent (LoI) between 29 July 2004 and 4 June 2007 and were subsequently requested to pay extra premiums, but on account of non-payment, their occupancy certificates are pending. Consequently, people occupying these societies have been faced with increased utility bills, tax dues, and inconveniences in the sale or transfer of the flat.
'While physically, the majority of buildings have been completed and are transferred to the societies by developers, the financial liability of outstanding premium payments has stayed with the societies as well as members. The interest waiver scheme now provides them with a realistic route to regularisation,' a MHADA spokesperson said.
Where building plans have been changed above approved limits, a 75 per cent concession on penalty is permissible under the amnesty scheme, subject to recovery of fees on revised plans.
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