Mumbai Residents Get 50% Premium Waiver Under New OC Amnesty Scheme

The Maharashtra government has announced a new amnesty scheme for residents of more than 20,000 buildings in Mumbai seeking occupation certificates (OC). Under the scheme, applicants will receive a 50% waiver on premium charges for fungible area and floor space index (FSI) utilised.

Societies applying within 6 months will also get a complete waiver on penalties for delayed OC applications. The move aims to regularise thousands of structures and provide relief to lakhs of residents.

Scope Of the Amnesty Scheme

The scheme covers buildings that have been awaiting occupation certificates due to regulatory non-compliance. Eligible applicants can now pay only half the premium charges for FSI and fungible area.

Additionally, penalties for delay in obtaining OCs will be waived if applications are filed within 6 months of the scheme’s announcement. This initiative is expected to simplify compliance and reduce financial burden on housing societies.

Impact On Residents

The amnesty will benefit over 2.5 lakh families and more than one million residents living in buildings without OCs. These residents are currently classified as unauthorised occupants, facing multiple challenges.

Without an OC, they pay higher sewage and water taxes and struggle to access bank loans. The scheme offers a pathway to legalisation and improved living conditions for affected households.

Reasons For OC Delays

Buildings often fail to obtain occupation certificates due to violations of development norms. Common issues include exceeding permissible FSI, illegal construction, and non-compliance with road setback and open space rules.

These violations lead to prolonged delays in approvals and force residents to occupy premises without formal certification. The amnesty scheme seeks to address these long-standing issues through a structured resolution process.

Expected Outcomes

The government expects the scheme to accelerate regularisation of unauthorised buildings and reduce litigation. By offering financial relief and penalty waivers, the initiative encourages societies to comply with legal requirements.

It also aims to improve civic administration by bringing properties under the formal regulatory framework. The move is likely to ease pressure on municipal authorities and enhance urban governance in Mumbai.

Read More: Mumbai’s Coastal Road Garden Project Moves Forward.

Conclusion

The new OC amnesty scheme provides significant relief to thousands of Mumbai residents living in buildings without occupation certificates. With a 50% waiver on premium charges and complete penalty exemption for timely applications, the initiative addresses long-standing compliance challenges.

It is expected to improve access to essential services and financial facilities for affected families. The scheme marks a major step toward resolving unauthorised occupancy issues in the city.

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