Pune: Citizens participating in the PMRDA’s much-awaited flat lottery are facing significant hurdles due to strict requirements for the domicile certificate.

With the PMRDA’s registration process demanding a certificate issued after 2018, many applicants have expressed frustration over the bureaucratic red tape and lack of sufficient time to complete the process.

The PMRDA recently launched a lottery for 1,350 flats after a two-year delay, generating considerable excitement. However, the joy quickly turned to frustration as citizens began navigating the complex registration process.

A key point of contention is the requirement for a domicile certificate issued post-2018, complete with a barcode. Citizens who obtained their certificates before 2018 or those without barcodes are now required to apply for new certificates, placing an unexpected financial and logistical burden on them.

To complicate matters, the deadline to obtain the updated domicile certificate has been set for November 12, leaving applicants with limited time to fulfill the requirements.

Long queues and delays at Maha e-Seva Kendras, where certificates are issued, have sparked complaints of exploitation, with some citizens alleging they are being overcharged to expedite the process.

As a result of these difficulties, there has been a surge in public demand for extending the registration deadline and relaxing the stringent domicile rules.

While the scheme is considered beneficial, citizens argue that removing the rigid certificate conditions would make the process smoother and more accessible.

Local residents and community leaders have outlined several potential solutions, including accepting existing domicile certificates regardless of the issuance date, removing the barcode requirement, or allowing alternative documents such as school leaving certificates, income proof, or ration cards to be used for registration.

However, according to PMRDA officials, the chances of a rule change are slim.

"The registration process is being conducted online through MahaIT, and similar conditions are being enforced across other government bodies like MHADA. The requirement for a domicile certificate issued after 2018 will remain," clarified Himmat Kharade, Deputy Collector at PMRDA.