Pimpri-Chinchwad New Town Development Authority has announced that it will offer 'freehold' status to the housing societies and projects developed under its jurisdiction.
This decision is expected to benefit approximately 11,213 housing units and 495 shopkeepers, providing them with a much-needed relief.
BJP MLA Mahesh Landge has been actively pursuing the 'freehold' status for properties within the authority's limits.
His efforts have culminated in a cabinet meeting held on Thursday, where the proposal to convert leasehold plots and residential properties into occupancy rights was approved, involving both CIDCO and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).
Under the new initiative, an optional scheme will be available for property owners who wish to convert their leasehold properties to 'freehold' status.
If property owners do not wish to convert or do not apply for the conversion during the sale process, they will still have the option to retain their property under existing leasehold conditions.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad New Town Development Authority acquired land following the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 and the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act of 1966.
Following its merger with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority in 2021, the authority's properties were divided between PMRDA and PCMC.
Citizens had expressed dissatisfaction over the complicated processes involved in property transfer and renewal, prompting Landge's persistent advocacy for 'freehold' status.
During a recent assembly session in Mumbai, Landge highlighted the importance of this decision, receiving assurances from Cabinet Minister Uday Samant that granting 'freehold' status would not impose any financial burden on PMRDA or PCMC.
The option to convert to 'freehold' is voluntary, giving property owners flexibility. This new policy will facilitate the transition for various housing societies established by the former new town authority in neighborhoods such as Sector-2 of Indrayani Nagar, which includes Police Colony and Rajwada, as well as Sector-18 of Chikhali-Purnanagar, which includes areas like Shivtej Nagar and Police Line.
The state government's decision to allow the 'freehold' status for over 11,000 housing units and nearly 500 shops is being hailed as a significant move towards public welfare.
This initiative marks the successful completion of the first phase of Landge’s efforts, with plans to address residential plots and property owners under the municipal corporation's jurisdiction in the second phase.
The Mahayuti government has shown a positive stance on this matter, which is expected to provide relief to an estimated 500,000 citizens within the authority's jurisdiction.