The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is expected to present an amnesty scheme aimed at enabling thousands of housing societies in Mumbai to obtain long-pending Occupation Certificates (OCs). The proposal, likely to be tabled before the standing committee, is seen as a major step towards regularising buildings that have remained without this crucial approval for years.
The initiative follows the Maharashtra government’s announcement in September 2025 to introduce a structured policy outlining procedures for securing OCs. The proposed scheme will allow housing societies to legalise their status by paying applicable charges, which will vary depending on factors such as the nature of construction, size, and extent of deviations from approved plans.
According to the proposal, the scheme will apply to buildings constructed before November 17, 2016, including those previously deemed ineligible for OCs due to plan deviations or unauthorised additions. It will cover residential buildings, hospitals, and educational institutions, with priority given to housing units having a carpet area of up to 80 square metres.
To encourage participation, the BMC has proposed a 50% reduction in various charges, including regularisation fees, penalties, and application costs. Applications submitted within the first six months of the scheme’s rollout will be exempt from penalties, while those filed later will receive partial concessions.
However, certain conditions must be met. Housing societies applying under the scheme must possess valid documents such as a Commencement Certificate (CC), Intimation of Development (IOD), and conveyance.
In Mumbai, nearly 25,000 housing societies currently lack valid OCs, creating significant hurdles for residents. An Occupation Certificate is a key legal document issued by the municipal authority, confirming that a building complies with approved plans and is safe for occupancy. Without it, homeowners face challenges in securing loans, accessing basic services, and undertaking redevelopment projects.
The proposed scheme aims to streamline approvals and bring long-pending properties into the formal regulatory framework.
Source: Hindustan Times
