Maharashtra Revamps Land Allotment Policy

The Maharashtra government has finalized a revised policy for allotting government land to cooperative housing societies, replacing the earlier lottery system with a transparent auction process. This move is expected to benefit government employees, journalists, artists, and members of backward communities seeking housing.

The new policy, prepared by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, will have district collectors identify available government plots and invite bids through public advertisements. Allotment will be based on technical and financial bids, with the base price fixed at 2.5 per cent of the market value of land in Mumbai city and suburbs, and 5 per cent in other parts of Maharashtra.

Government land will now be allotted on a 30-year lease instead of ownership rights. After completion of the lease period, the land will be eligible for conversion into Occupant Class-I status. The policy also provides category-wise reservation of plots, including 15 per cent for state government employees, 10 per cent for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and 10 per cent for writers, artists, and journalists.

Income and carpet-area limits have been revised in line with the Seventh Pay Commission. Group-D employees earning up to Rs 50,000 monthly will be eligible for 300 sq ft homes, while Group-C employees earning up to Rs 1 lakh will be eligible for 450 sq ft. The policy mandates 20 per cent representation of backward communities and 5 per cent of persons with disabilities in housing societies.

All pending old proposals will be closed under the new policy, except cases where letters of intent have already been issued. The introduction of the auction process is expected to bring transparency and fairness to the land allotment process.

The revised policy is a significant step towards providing affordable housing to eligible citizens. With the new auction-based system, the government aims to ensure that land is allotted to those who need it most. The policy's emphasis on representation of backward communities and persons with disabilities is also a positive move towards promoting inclusivity.

The Maharashtra government's decision to revamp the land allotment policy is a welcome move, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the state's housing sector. The new policy's focus on transparency, fairness, and inclusivity is likely to benefit many citizens who are seeking affordable housing.

In conclusion, the revised land allotment policy is a significant development in Maharashtra's housing sector. With its emphasis on transparency, fairness, and inclusivity, the policy is expected to bring about positive changes in the way government land is allotted to cooperative housing societies.