The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Standing Committee has unanimously approved an Occupation Certificate (OC) Amnesty Scheme for eligible buildings in Mumbai that have been occupied for years without the mandatory certificate, The Times of India reported.
The scheme is aimed at buildings where residents are living without an OC because of minor construction deviations, documentation issues or other procedural hurdles. It could provide relief to thousands of families facing problems linked to the absence of an OC.
The policy was first announced in the Maharashtra Assembly in December 2025. Then Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde said nearly 20,000 Mumbai buildings lacked OCs, potentially affecting more than 2.5 lakh families and over 10 lakh residents, according to The Indian Express.
After the Standing Committee approved the proposal in July 2026, committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde said around 19,000 buildings and nearly one lakh families could benefit.
The scheme covers eligible residential buildings, hospitals and schools occupied before November 17, 2016. Buildings must have approved plans, a valid Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) and a Commencement Certificate (CC).
An OC is issued by the civic authority once a completed building complies with approved plans and applicable requirements. Without it, residents can face higher utility charges, redevelopment difficulties and other legal and financial issues.
The scheme does not grant blanket approval to unauthorised construction. Eligible buildings must meet prescribed conditions and complete the required process.
The broader policy includes a proposed 50% concession on the prevailing ready reckoner rate for premiums linked to regularisation of areas such as additional FSI or fungible area.
The BMC is expected to prepare the implementation framework and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) following directions from the Maharashtra Urban Development Department, Hindustan Times reported.
Source: NDTV Profit
