Shri Ajoy Mehta, the Chairman of the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), is set to retire today. His illustrious career has spanned several key positions, including Maharashtra's Chief Secretary, Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, and Chairman and Managing Director of Maharashtra State Power Generation Limited (MAHAGENCO) and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). In each of these roles, he has made a significant impact, contributing to public administration and urban development.

Mehta took on the role of MahaRERA Chairman in February 2021. Prior to this, he served as Maharashtra's Chief Secretary during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mehta's response to the situation was both swift and strategic. He formed a committee of expert doctors in Mumbai to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for treating COVID-19 patients. This SoP was implemented across the state and later adopted by other states in India. His efforts in managing the pandemic were recognized globally, earning praise from organizations such as the World Bank and the World Health Organization. Additionally, Mehta ensured the provision of essential medical services to those in need, demonstrating his commitment to public health.

Before his role as Chief Secretary, Mehta was the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. During his tenure, he was instrumental in developing the ambitious Mumbai 2034 Development Plan. Unlike most city plans, this project was executed without the help of external consultants, relying entirely on civic staff. Mehta ensured full transparency by publishing all details online and setting up a system to address public queries. This approach led to the smooth approval of the plan and made Mumbai's development model a blueprint for other municipalities in India.

As the Chairman and Managing Director of Maharashtra's power companies, MSEDCL and MAHAGENCO, Mehta tackled the issue of electricity shortages affecting both rural and urban areas. Through meticulous planning, he increased power generation capacity and introduced Standard Bidding Documents for purchasing electricity. By linking load shedding to billing and distribution losses, Maharashtra significantly reduced and eventually eliminated load shedding by 2012. Additionally, he implemented an effective plan to recover arrears from farmers, creating a balanced solution beneficial to both consumers and the agricultural sector.

During his tenure at MahaRERA, Mehta worked diligently to improve transparency, accountability, and credibility in the real estate sector while empowering homebuyers. He introduced several key reforms, including mandatory disclosures from developers to enhance information flow. This improved transparency has enabled homebuyers to make well-informed property investment decisions. MahaRERA's successful initiatives have inspired other states to adopt similar measures.

One of Mehta's key decisions was to mandate that developers and their directors submit a self-affidavit detailing their past performance and DIN numbers during project registration. He also required developers to provide an annual 'Quality Assurance Certificate' to ensure construction quality. A new framework was established for senior citizens and retirement housing. Additionally, he ensured developers maintain three separate bank accounts for each project, enhancing financial monitoring. Projects are now subject to a three-tier scrutiny process-legal, financial, and technical-during registration to ensure timely completion.

Under his supervision, the Allotment Letter and Agreement of Sale contracts issued by builders was standardised to ensure buyers' interests are protected. These agreements must now include provisions for force majeure, carpet area, defect liability periods and conveyance deeds. Details such as size, width, length, height, and slot number of parking spaces must be clearly mentioned in both agreements. In addition, all promised amenities like swimming pools and gyms, along with their expected availability dates must also be included.

To address compensation claims, Mehta appointed a retired Additional District Collector to lead a Grievance Redressal Cell, facilitating dispute resolution between homebuyers and developers. He also introduced a QR code system in advertisements for easier access to project information, along with punitive measures for non-compliance. Developers now have the option to cancel the registration of unviable projects, and real estate agents must be certified through training and examinations.

Shri Ajoy Mehta's career has been marked by visionary leadership and impactful reforms across various sectors. From managing the state's response during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensuring transparent urban development and stabilizing the power supply, his contributions have set new benchmarks. As MahaRERA Chairman, he brought in a wave of changes that enhanced transparency, empowered homebuyers, and streamlined regulatory processes in the real estate sector. His legacy of dedicated public service and innovative initiatives will continue to inspire future administrators and serve as a model for effective governance.