In a significant move aimed at expediting self-redevelopment projects across Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday that the state government would soon issue an order to facilitate a single-window clearance system for housing societies opting for self-redevelopment.
Revival of the 2019 Government Resolution
The move marks the revival of a Government Resolution (GR) issued on September 13, 2019, during Fadnavis’ previous tenure as Chief Minister. This resolution had initially proposed a streamlined approval system for housing societies that have been in existence for 30 years or more. The primary objective of the revived initiative is to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate redevelopment projects for societies opting to undertake the process independently.
Establishment of a Self-Redevelopment Cell
To further streamline the self-redevelopment approval process, the Maharashtra government is set to constitute a Self-Redevelopment Cell. This cell will act as a single-point contact for housing societies seeking approvals, ensuring that necessary clearances are granted in a time-bound manner.
Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency
Legal experts and industry professionals have welcomed the initiative. Advocate Shreeprasad Parab, Expert Director of the Maharashtra State Housing Federation, emphasized that the single-window system will ensure transparency, ease of doing business, and faster development of urban areas while protecting the rights of citizens.
Growing Demand for Self-Redevelopment
According to the Maharashtra State Cooperative Federation, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 cooperative housing societies in Mumbai, Pune, and Thane have been eagerly awaiting the implementation of a simplified self-redevelopment process. Of the 1.25 lakh registered housing societies in the state, nearly 50% are contemplating redevelopment, but many hesitate due to the cumbersome clearance procedures involving multiple government departments.
Suhas Patwardhan, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Federation, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Many societies remain reluctant to opt for redevelopment due to the complex approval process. A single-window system will significantly reduce procedural delays and encourage more societies to undertake self-redevelopment.”
Government Support for Self-Redevelopment Financing
Chief Minister Fadnavis also assured that the government would facilitate funding for self-redevelopment projects through the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). Advocate Parab further mentioned that the state government had previously proposed a 4% subsidized loan scheme to provide financial assistance to housing societies embarking on self-redevelopment.
Additional Measures to Support Housing Societies
During a meeting with representatives of the Maharashtra State Housing Federation, Fadnavis responded positively to various recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperative housing societies, including:
- Implementation of benefits outlined in the July 2019 order.
- Publication of rules for cooperative housing societies based on the 2019 amendments to the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies (MCS) Act.
- Creation of a single-window system for deemed conveyance, ensuring faster property title transfers.
Digital Integration for Faster Approvals
In a bid to further expedite the approval process, the Chief Minister revealed that plans are underway to facilitate project approvals through the WhatsApp messaging application. This digital initiative is expected to improve efficiency and reduce paperwork in the clearance process.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra government’s renewed focus on facilitating self-redevelopment through a single-window clearance system is a welcome move for housing societies looking to independently undertake redevelopment projects. By ensuring greater transparency, streamlining approvals, and offering financial assistance, the initiative is expected to boost urban renewal and ease the redevelopment journey for thousands of cooperative housing societies across the state.
