Maharashtra Orders Vigilance Audit Into Mumbai Housing Scam

25 Mar 2026 CW Team

The Maharashtra government has ordered a vigilance audit across Mumbai, to be completed within 30 days, to probe alleged irregularities in housing schemes under the Development Control Regulations. The announcement followed allegations by Mulund MLA Mihir Kotecha that developers misrepresented project plans and sold housing stock intended as in situ Permanent Transit Camp (PTC) units. The MLA estimated sales in Mulund at Rs 1 bn and said the citywide malpractice totalled about Rs 20 bn.

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) acknowledged irregularities in some projects while the Assembly was told that Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officers had provided misleading information. The allegations state that developers depicted PTC housing but instead constructed and sold commercial shops and luxury apartments, depriving eligible residents. The issues relate to builders availing additional floor space index benefits but failing to deliver mandated housing stock.

The Minister of State for Urban Development, Madhuri Misal, said several builders had not handed over mandatory PTCs and Project Affected Persons (PAP) housing stock to the SRA or the BMC despite obtaining concessions. Stop work notices have been issued in some cases and records will be scrutinised for evidence of unauthorised sales. The government indicated that strict administrative or legal action would follow if officials were found to have overlooked or facilitated such transfers.

The 30 days vigilance audit will review land records, sales registers and allotment documentation across affected projects to establish the extent of irregularities and recommend remedial measures. The exercise aims to ensure compliance with rehabilitation norms and to identify officials or developers liable for disciplinary measures or prosecution. Authorities will publish findings and advise on next steps after the audit concludes, including proposals for reforms.

Technology

14 Apr 2026

India Data Centre Market to Cross USD 22 Bn by 2030: Vestian

India’s data centre market is projected to more than double from around USD 10 billion in 2025 to USD 22 billion by 2030, according to a latest report by Vestian. The growth is expected to be driven by rising cloud adoption, expanding AI workloads and increasing demand for data-intensive digital services.Vestian noted that the global data centre sector is witnessing rapid expansion, with current installed capacity estimated at 40–50 GW and projections exceeding 100 GW by 2030. Within this evolving landscape, India is emerging as a strategic hub in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by its ..

Retail Leasing Hits 4.3 Mn Sq Ft in H2 2025: ANAROCK RELEAP 2026

India’s retail real estate market recorded a total retail absorption of around 4.3 million sq ft across the top seven cities in H2 2025, reflecting steady leasing activity despite a dynamic market environment, according to ANAROCK Retail’s flagship report, RELEAP 2026.The report highlights a structural shift in the sector as organised retail moves beyond transactional formats toward experience-led spaces that combine shopping, entertainment and dining. Apparel emerged as the leading category driving leasing demand during the period, followed by entertainment, hypermarkets/supermarkets, and..

Berger Paints Launches ‘Garmi Gone, Thandak On’ Cooling Range

Berger Paints India has launched its Home Cooling Paints Range along with a nationwide campaign titled ‘Garmi Gone, Thandak On’, as rising temperatures continue to pose growing challenges for households across India.The company said the campaign promotes smarter and energy-efficient cooling solutions by focusing on preventing heat from entering homes rather than relying solely on air conditioning. Berger Paints stated that a significant amount of heat enters homes through walls, rooftops and structural openings, making surface protection an important factor in reducing indoor discomfort du..