The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to introduce an amnesty scheme aimed at helping eligible housing societies obtain long-pending Occupation Certificates (OCs). The proposal received final approval from the BMC House on August 18, with implementation expected shortly.
The initiative could provide relief to thousands of residents living in buildings without valid OCs. Around 12 lakh homeowners across nearly 25,000 residential buildings in Mumbai are estimated to be affected.
1. Buildings Must Meet the Cut-Off Date
The scheme will apply only to buildings that were occupied before November 17, 2016. Housing societies will have to establish occupancy before this date through documents such as electricity bills or property tax receipts.
2. Valid IOD and Commencement Certificate Required
Eligibility will be restricted to buildings that have an approved Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) and a valid Commencement Certificate (CC). Societies without these basic approvals will not qualify under the proposed framework.
3. Flats Above 861 Sq Ft Excluded
Residential units exceeding 80 sq metres, or approximately 861 sq ft, will not qualify for an OC under the scheme. Depending on the circumstances, the BMC may grant an OC for the complete building or only a portion of it.
The charges payable will depend on factors including the building’s size, category and the nature and extent of deviations or approvals required.
4. Residential Buildings Get Priority
The scheme primarily covers buildings where more than 50% of the units are residential. Hospitals and schools are also included. Commercial premises located within predominantly residential buildings may receive an OC, but they will not qualify for financial concessions under the scheme.
5. Developer’s NOC Required
Applicants will generally need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original construction applicant or development-rights holder, which could include the developer or property owner.
If the NOC is unavailable, the BMC may issue a notice to the concerned developer, owner or original applicant before proceeding.
The scheme is expected to help regularise eligible older buildings while providing residents greater clarity over their property’s legal and civic status.
Source: Hindustan Times
