MHADA unveils 'Amnesty scheme' for Housing societies to get Long Pending OCs

An amnesty program was unveiled by the state housing agency Mhada on Monday to assist housing societies in obtaining long-pending Occupancy Certificates (OC) for redeveloped buildings. This program, which runs through April 10, 2025, will help about 80 housing societies.

The issuance of OCs was delayed because many housing societies were unable to pay the premium differential amount for redevelopment.

The interest that was assessed on the difference amount has been waived by Mhada. From now, societies will only have to pay the principal.

Furthermore, a 75% waiver of penalties for unauthorized construction or usage will be granted to buildings redeveloped in accordance with the 1991 DC regulations, according to Mhada.

"Maintenance charges and property taxes for housing units and plots will henceforth be applicable only from the date of possession," the agency announced in addition to reforming its policies.

Approximately 2.25 lakh housing units are managed by the Mumbai Board of MHADA, which oversees 114 layouts. 56 of these layouts are outdated and being renovated. All housing societies with pending occupancy certificates have been urged by Mumbai Board Chief Officer Milind Borikar to take advantage of this scheme and finish their formalities before the deadline.

"Earlier, beneficiaries had to pay maintenance charges and property taxes starting from the date of allotment, even if possession of the property was delayed." According to Sanjeev Jaiswal, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Mhada, apartments and plots "remain Mhada's responsibility until possession is granted".