In a major relief to the common people, the Government of Maharashtra has announced a significant decision to regularise residential encroachments across the state under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Under the provisions of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, the government has decided to regularise only residential encroachments that existed prior to January 1, 2011 (excluding Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban districts). The move is expected to benefit thousands of economically weaker families who have been residing in such properties for years, offering them long-awaited security of tenure.
As per the policy, encroachments up to 500 sq ft will be regularised free of cost, while the upper limit has been fixed at 1,500 sq ft. For areas exceeding 500 sq ft, a fee equivalent to 10% of the market value will be charged. In cases where the encroached land is used for commercial purposes, a higher charge of 25% of the market value will apply. The regularised land will be granted under Occupant Class-II status, with a restriction on transfer for five years.
Applicants will be required to submit supporting documents such as voter ID records, electricity bills, and property tax receipts. The last date to apply under the scheme has been set as December 31, 2026. However, encroachments on public utility lands, riverbeds, forests, and similar sensitive areas will not be eligible for regularisation.
The decision is being seen as a major step towards achieving the government’s vision of “Housing for All,” and is expected to resolve long-pending housing issues of underprivileged sections across Maharashtra.
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