Maharashtra Housing Societies Await Action on Single-Window System for Redevelopment Clearances
Maharashtra, up to 10,000 cooperative housing societies, particularly in Pune, Mumbai, and Thane, are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the single-window clearance system for self-redevelopment of their properties. Despite a government resolution (GR) issued in 2019, which proposed the system to ease redevelopment processes, bureaucratic delays have left these societies frustrated and unable to move forward.
The single-window system, designed to simplify the complex and often tedious process of obtaining approvals from multiple government departments, was first proposed in a GR issued by the state housing department on September 13, 2019. The system was intended to facilitate the self-redevelopment of properties that are 30 years old or more, which apply primarily to older housing societies across the state. The Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank was designated as the nodal agency to implement the process, but to date, the system has not been fully realised.
Suhas Patwardhan, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Federation, highlighted the frustrations faced by housing societies in major cities, including Pune and Mumbai, as they are eager to undertake redevelopment but are bogged down by the cumbersome process of securing clearances from various departments, such as property tax, electricity, and local collectors. “Of the state’s 1.25 lakh registered housing societies, around 50% are considering redevelopment options. According to discussions, 8,000-10,000 societies have shown interest, but they remain hesitant due to delays in obtaining the necessary clearances,” said Patwardhan. For many housing societies, waiting for approvals from multiple departments can take years, causing significant delays in redevelopment projects. This has left thousands of residents in older housing societies stuck in deteriorating conditions, while the demand for redevelopment and urban renewal continues to grow.
The Federation has taken proactive steps to address this issue by reaching out to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, urging him to implement the 2019 GR for the single-window system. “We hope the Chief Minister will meet our demand and pave the way for societies to take up self-redevelopment,” Patwardhan added. One of the key proposals under the system is a 4% subsidised loan to housing societies that opt for self-redevelopment, which would help make the process more affordable for communities. However, some residents, like Meena Raut from a 30-year-old society in Kothrud, are concerned that unless the government simplifies the rules and clears the bureaucratic bottlenecks, redevelopment will remain a distant dream. “The Chief Minister had announced the single-window system during his last term. He should now push to make it a reality,” Raut said. The single-window system is designed to streamline the redevelopment process. It includes a digital platform where developers and housing societies can submit their proposals online, following clear guidelines and regulations. Once submitted, the system automatically forwards proposals to the relevant departments for scrutiny and then informs the societies about any required corrections.
Once a proposal is re-submitted, developers or societies are notified about premiums, fees, and taxes to be paid. The entire process – from proposal submission to NOCs and final approvals – would be handled online, offering a faster, more transparent approach to the redevelopment of housing societies. Shreeprasad Parab, an expert director of the Maharashtra State Housing Federation, spoke on the anticipated benefits of the system: “The single-window system will ensure transparency and ease of doing business. It will also accelerate the development of cities, all while protecting citizens’ rights.” The single-window clearance system holds the potential to bring about significant change in Maharashtra’s urban redevelopment landscape. However, its realisation is long overdue, and housing societies are growing increasingly impatient. With thousands of residents living in ageing buildings, the demand for this reform is clear. As the government continues to delay, the residents of Maharashtra’s housing societies await action – hoping that the promises made in 2019 will finally be delivered.
