The Maharashtra state government's delay in reclaiming a 6,063-sq-ft plot of land, allocated to the Madhya Pradesh Mitra Charitable trust (MPMCT) in Goregaon, has raised concerns. Despite the state's directive to revoke the allotment due to irregularities and subleasing, neither MHADA has taken action nor regained control of the property housing the Vibgyor High School. The housing department's inquiry in 2022 acknowledged irregularities but no progress has been made. The delay has prompted questions about the government's ability to reclaim the land and resolve the longstanding dispute surrounding the school's premises.
The state government's endeavour to reclaim a 6,063 sq-ft plot in Goregaon, earmarked for the Vibgyor High School has been in a deadlock for over a year now. The Madhya Pradesh Mitra Charitable Trust (MPMCT) holds the disputed land, a decision declared illicit by the government. Despite directives to revoke allotment, nullify subleasing, and act against implicated individuals, MHADA's inertia in taking action against the occupants raises concerns.
The genesis of the controversy involves MPMCT, initially leased the land for a nominal Re 1 annually. Subsequently, it subleased half to the Rustomjee Kerawala Foundation, which constructed the Vibgyor High School building. The transaction secured MHADA's No Objection Certificate (NOC) and approval for a sub-lease agreement. However, the saga unfolded when Avisha Kulkarni filed a complaint with MHADA in 2016.
In 2017, MHADA's Chief Security and Vigilance Officer recommended the allotment's cancellation. A subsequent review, guided by legal counsel, determined no violations. It took Kulkarni's persistent appeals until March 2022 for the housing department to recognize irregularities in the deal. The directive aimed at MHADA included revoking allotment, declaring subleasing void, and penalizing the trust and implicated officials.
The subsequent administrative actions, such as the Mumbai Board's letter instructing MPMCT to hand over "vacant and peaceful possession" within a month, did not translate into tangible outcomes. As of now, the state has not regained control of the property housing Vibgyor High School.
This inaction raises questions about the government's effectiveness in executing directives and underscores the complexity of resolving land-related disputes involving educational institutions. The underlying question is – why has the government been unable to reclaim possession of the land despite acknowledging irregularities?
Kulkarni's sentiment encapsulates the frustration among those seeking resolution and accountability. But it's a nuanced situation that involves legal intricacies, bureaucratic procedures, and the interplay of stakeholders. These combined with the fact that the school is shut due to this action adds further layers of complexity to the resolution process.
In conclusion, the protracted dispute over the Vibgyor High School's land shows the challenges inherent in resolving complex land-related issues. The government's ability to navigate this complexity and demonstrate efficacy in addressing such disputes remains a critical aspect of ensuring justice and transparency.
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