The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has launched a special Amnesty Scheme to assist housing societies in Mumbai and its suburbs in obtaining long-pending Occupancy Certificates (OCs) for redeveloped buildings. Valid until 10 April 2025, the scheme is set to benefit approximately 80 housing societies.The delays in issuing OCs were primarily due to the inability of societies to pay the premium differential amount for redevelopment. To resolve this, MHADA has waived the interest on these premiums, requiring societies to pay only the principal amount. Additionally, societies redeveloped under the 1991 Development Control Regulations (DCR) will receive a 75% waiver on penalties for unauthorised constructions or usage.MHADA’s Mumbai Board oversees 114 layouts, comprising about 2.25 lakh housing units, of which 56 are older layouts undergoing redevelopment. Societies that received redevelopment approvals between 29 July 2004 and 4 June 2007 had been issued notices to pay the premium differential amount. Non-payment resulted in withheld OCs, causing higher property taxes, water charges, and challenges in buying or selling flats.The Amnesty Scheme extends to societies that received redevelopment permissions between 7 January 1912 and 12 November 2018 under the 1991 DCR. OCs will now be issued based on the plot areas approved by MHADA, considering elements like covered balconies and flower beds. Societies with unauthorised constructions exceeding approved plans will benefit from a 75% penalty waiver, though the remaining amount must be paid as per MHADA’s rules.For cases involving modifications to approved plans, correction charges will apply, but the 75% penalty waiver remains valid. This initiative aims to ease financial strain on societies and expedite the OC issuance process. Developers who have completed redevelopment and handed over buildings will also benefit, as the scheme reduces the financial burden on societies and their members.Details of the scheme are available on MHADA’s official website: https://mhada.gov.in. Milind Borikar, Chief Officer of MHADA’s Mumbai Board, has urged eligible societies to complete their formalities before the deadline to take full advantage of the scheme.