The Maharashtra government has lifted the freeze on allotting state owned land to housing societies. This restriction had lasted since 2010. The revised policy is intended to make land allotment more transparent and to expand housing opportunities for beneficiary groups.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that societies receiving government land must now include 20 percent of members from classes and 5 percent of persons with disabilities.
Under the framework government plots will no longer be allotted through the earlier lottery system. District collectors will identify plots and conduct public auctions that involve technical and financial bidding. The base price will be set at 2.5 percent of the market value in Mumbai city and suburbs and at 5 percent in parts of Maharashtra.
The policy provides reservations for categories. These include government employees, local body employees, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, nomadic tribes, writers, artists, sportspersons and journalists. Separate allocations have also been set aside for armed forces personnel government employees, freedom fighters, elected representatives persons with disabilities and economically weaker sections.
Land will be allotted on a 30 year lease. Conversion to Class I occupancy will be permitted after the lease period has been completed.
The government has also revised income and carpet area limits based on the Seventh Pay Commission. Joint membership of spouses will be mandatory. District collectors will have powers to act against benami flats.
Bawankule said that the revised policy is expected to benefit thousands of citizens who are seeking access to government land, for housing.
