Law & Policy

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BMC abandons proposal to lease open spaces to private entities

Author : PNT Bureau
In response to public outcry, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has scrapped a controversial draft policy concerning open spaces, confirmed by BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal. The policy, introduced in September 2023, aimed to lease playgrounds and recreation grounds to private entities and NGOs for up to five years, sparking widespread opposition. With concerns raised over potential exploitation and loss of control, the BMC has opted to maintain the existing adoption policy, allowing leases for eleven months. Chahal highlighted citizen concerns and stressed the importance of elected representatives shaping city policies. The decision, applauded by activists, signifies a victory for citizen engagement and the preservation of Mumbai's public spaces....
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GNIDA offers eight group housing plots for e-auction in Greater Noida

Author : PNT Bureau
The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has initiated an e-auction for eight group housing plots, spanning 3.5 to 10 acres each, in various sectors of Greater Noida. Developers have a 90-day window to complete payment for the land and are required to adhere to the approved layout plan, obtaining an occupancy certificate within seven years. Sector Mu offers a 4.5-acre plot, Omicron 1A a 7.5-acre plot, and Eta 2 a 7-acre plot, among others. Interested parties must apply by Feb 27 and submit documents by March 1. Land rates range from INR 36,500 to INR 48,300 per sqm, with a total reserved price exceeding INR 970 crore. Allotments are on a leasehold basis for 90 years, with restrictions on amalgamation or subdivision. Consortiums are allowed, with a designated lead member responsible for project completion. Previous transactions, like Prasu Infrabuild's acquisition of a 6...
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Bombay High Court orders SRA to address Wadala slum dwellers' plea on transit rent increase

Author : PNT Bureau
In June 2015, the Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA) issued a circular aiming to regulate transit rent increases for slum dwellers affected by redevelopment projects. However, this directive has remained dormant, causing distress for occupants stuck in temporary accommodations. The Bombay High Court recently intervened following a representation by Wadala slum dwellers, urging the SRA to enforce the circular mandating a 5% transit rent increase. A division bench of justices instructed the SRA to expedite a decision, responding to a petition filed by 78 eligible slum dwellers from Wadala Village Welfare CHSL. Represented by senior advocate Ranjeet Thorat and advocate Yashodeep Deshmukh, concerns were raised regarding the fairness of developers' rent offers, contrasting market rates, and the SRA's inaction, highlighting the need for prompt resolution....
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PM Narendra Modi to virtually inaugurate 131,454 housing units in Gujarat

Author : PNT Bureau
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate and oversee the ceremony for 131,454 housing units in Gujarat this Saturday, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and State BJP President C R Paatil attending in Deesa, North Gujarat. Beneficiaries from all 182 assembly constituencies will participate virtually, highlighting Gujarat's prominent role in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the national objective of housing for all by 2047. The state has already built 13.42 lakh PMAY units, with plans for an additional 65,000 units in urban areas during the 2024-25 fiscal year, reflecting its steadfast commitment to addressing housing needs....
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West Bengal Government set to revisit Urban Land Ceiling Act

Author : PNT Bureau
The West Bengal government's plan to re-evaluate the Urban Land Ceiling Act (ULCA) signals a significant shift with potential to rejuvenate the real estate market. Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya's announcement during the fiscal year 2024-25 Budget presentation reflects a strategic intent to scrutinize existing land regulations, aiming to attract substantial investments, including foreign capital. Industry leaders applaud the decision, foreseeing it as a crucial move to eliminate investment hurdles and unlock vast revenue and job creation opportunities. The proposed revisions, coupled with initiatives to simplify land ownership and enhance infrastructure, promise to enhance business ease and instil investor confidence, ultimately fostering growth in the housing and related sectors....
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Delhi Development Authority Permits Bulk Purchase of Flats by Private Companies

Author : PNT Bureau
In a significant development, private companies in Delhi can now purchase DDA flats in bulk, thanks to amendments made to the DDA (Management and Disposal of Housing Estate) Regulations, 1968. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has expanded its eligibility criteria, allowing non-governmental legal entities to acquire built-up properties for various purposes, including staff quarters and hostels. This move is anticipated to foster growth across private industrial and educational sectors, particularly in emerging areas like Narela. Additionally, DDA announced enticing discounts of up to 25% and 15% on MIG and LIG flats respectively....
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UP government allocates INR 2,441 crore for rural housing as part of PMAY-Rural

Author : PNT Bureau
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated INR 2,441 crore for the PMAY-Rural scheme, following the Union Budget's INR 32,000 crore earmark to construct 2 crore housing units in rural areas. In 2022-23, UP built over 28 lakh units, 96 percent of the set target. Subsequently, INR 9,000 crore was allocated in 2023-24. This allocation aligns with the government’s rural sector focus ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. UP, along with other states, is pivotal for housing unit construction. Additionally, the state allocated INR 1,140 crore for Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (rural) and doubled funds for toilet construction under Swachh Bharat Mission....
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Wankhede Stadium lease renewal sparks controversy over rent charges

Author : PNT Bureau
The Maharashtra government has extended the lease of Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium for 30 years, following its expiration in 2018, valuing the 44,000 square meter plot at approximately INR 1,304 crore. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is mandated to pay an annual rent of INR 1.52 crore, plus an additional INR 8.58 crore covering the period from 2018 to 2023, a decision contested by the MCA due to what they perceive as excessive charges. Despite objections, the stadium remains a pivotal hub for cricket administration in India, with its history dating back to 1968 and hosting numerous prestigious events over the years....
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DDA approves key infrastructure projects, land use modifications and housing schemes in Delhi

Author : PNT Bureau
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has greenlit several crucial projects aimed at bolstering public infrastructure and advancing the housing sector. Chaired by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, the DDA approved changes in land use to promote green energy and efficient public transportation in Ghazipur, Auchandi village, and Jangpura. This facilitates vital facilities like RFID setups, electrical sub-stations, and RRTS facilities. Housing schemes like the Diwali Special Housing Scheme 2023 and e-auctions for leftover flats in Dwarka are underway, offering discounts to incentivize buyers, including government employees. Moreover, non-governmental legal entities can now purchase built-up properties in bulk, fostering residential staff quarters and hostels. These initiatives, endorsed by the DDA, aim to address infrastructure needs and foster sustainable urban development in Delhi....
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Senior citizen's plea prompts Bombay High Court's action on delayed building redevelopment

Author : PNT Bureau
The Bombay High Court has asserted the protection of fundamental rights for senior citizens facing housing redevelopment delays. The court's comments were made during a plea filed by a 65-year-old woman, Jayashree Dholi, who claimed to be "homeless" due to a stalled redevelopment project in Mulund. The court emphasised that seniors in their "twilight years" should not suffer due to redevelopment delays and issued notices to authorities, including the Maharashtra Government and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, seeking responses to address the petitioner's fundamental rights violation....
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