Mumbai: In a major relief to housing societies awaiting occupancy certificates (OCs), the Maharashtra government has approved an extension of two special amnesty schemes run by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) till December 31, 2025. The extension is expected to benefit around 80 housing societies across Mumbai, MHADA said in an official statement on Friday.

The extension applies to two schemes currently implemented by MHADA: First is the Interest Waiver Scheme on Additional Premium and second is Amnesty Scheme for Issuing Occupancy Certificates under DCR 1991.

This scheme offers relief to housing societies that were charged interest on the additional premium required for redevelopment. The waiver ensures that these societies are now only required to pay the principal amount, easing the financial burden on residents.

MHADA had earlier issued recovery notices to societies that were granted Letters of Intent or No Objection Certificates between July 29, 2004, and June 4, 2007. Due to non-payment, occupancy certificates had not been granted, resulting in members paying higher water charges, elevated property tax, and facing restrictions on selling or transferring their flats.

Though many redevelopment projects have been completed and buildings handed over, the financial dues have left societies stuck in limbo. The interest waiver is aimed at resolving this issue and enabling residents to regularise their properties.

The Amnesty Scheme for OCs under DCR 1991, implemented through MHADA’s Building Permission Cell, is targeted at buildings redeveloped under the Development Control Regulations (DCR) 1991, with building permissions granted up to November 12, 2018.

Under this scheme Occupancy certificates will be issued based on the sanctioned plot area, Closed flowerbeds and balconies per flat have been officially listed and a 75% concession on penalty charges will be offered for Unauthorised usage within the building (as per MHADA policy), Building construction that exceeds approved plans or revised drawings.

The scheme also allows for recovery of revised plan fees and penalties at a reduced rate, helping societies come into compliance without incurring exorbitant costs.

MHADA has urged all eligible societies—especially those in Mumbai and its suburbs falling under MHADA’s layout and still awaiting occupancy certificates—to make use of this extended deadline to complete the required formalities.

As per MHADA, the lack of occupancy certificates not only affects the legality of occupancy but also disrupts basic civic services and financial transactions for residents. These schemes are designed to provide a viable path for regularisation and ease long-pending hardships faced by thousands of Mumbaikars.