Maharashtra Government to Grant OCs to 25,000 Housing Societies in Mumbai
The Maharashtra government is set to introduce a new policy framework in October, aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining Occupation Certificates (OCs) for around 25,000 housing societies in Mumbai. This move is expected to resolve long-standing issues and provide relief to many homeowners.
Occupation CertificateReal EstateMumbaiHousing SocietiesAmnesty SchemeReal Estate MaharashtraSep 16, 2025
The Maharashtra government is working on a detailed resolution (GR), expected in the first week of October, that will outline the rules and processes for housing societies without an OC. Even before the official policy is released, a few important aspects are becoming clear, offering hope to many homeowners caught in a bureaucratic limbo.
An Occupation Certificate is an essential legal document issued by the municipal corporation that confirms a building has been constructed according to approved plans and is fit for occupation. Without it, homeowners cannot legally occupy the house. This document is crucial for various reasons, including obtaining bank loans, ensuring basic civic approvals, and facilitating redevelopment plans.
Media reports indicate that over 20,000 buildings in the city have full OCs, while more than 700 have partial OCs. Housing societies without OCs face numerous problems, such as difficulties in obtaining bank loans or mortgages, delays in redevelopment plans, and issues with basic civic approvals. These issues often stem from technical and legal hurdles that have long been impediments.
The state government is expected to roll out an amnesty scheme on October 2 to simplify the process of obtaining OCs by removing these technical and legal hurdles. According to a Hindustan Times report, penalties may also be waived for residents who apply within a stipulated period.
The amnesty scheme aims to help property owners regularise unauthorised constructions by obtaining an OC. The scheme will allow legalisation upon payment of penalties or charges, with applications accepted only within a fixed deadline. Penalties will vary based on the type, size, and extent of violations. The primary goal is to ensure all housing societies in the city obtain an OC.
According to Maharashtra government officials, the state plans to introduce this amnesty scheme to help property owners regularise unauthorised constructions. The scheme will allow legalisation upon payment of penalties or charges, with applications accepted only within a fixed deadline. Penalties will vary based on the type, size, and extent of violations. The aim is to ensure all housing societies in the city obtain an OC.
Gopal Shetty, a former BJP MP from North Mumbai and a member of the Maharashtra government's committee drafting the policy, said, “A detailed Government Resolution (GR) is expected in the first week of October, which will clearly define the policy. For now, some key points are already understood. Societies without a conveyance or CC will still be eligible to apply, and even those with FSI alterations or violations can apply as well.”
However, in cases where extra FSI or alterations have been carried out, the society will be required to pay a premium, though at a discounted rate. All of these aspects will be clarified in detail once the official policy is released in October, Shetty added.
This new policy is expected to provide a significant boost to the real estate sector in Mumbai, addressing long-standing issues and offering a clear path for property owners to regularise their constructions. The Maharashtra government's initiative is a step towards ensuring a more transparent and efficient process for obtaining OCs, ultimately benefiting homeowners and the real estate market as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Occupation Certificate (OC)?
An Occupation Certificate (OC) is a legal document issued by the municipal corporation that confirms a building has been constructed according to approved plans and is fit for occupation. It is essential for legal occupancy, obtaining bank loans, and ensuring basic civic approvals.
Why do housing societies without OCs face problems?
Housing societies without OCs face issues such as difficulties in obtaining bank loans or mortgages, delays in redevelopment plans, and problems with basic civic approvals. These issues often stem from technical and legal hurdles that have long been impediments.
What is the Maharashtra government's new policy for OCs?
The Maharashtra government is introducing a new policy framework and an amnesty scheme to simplify the process of obtaining OCs. This includes removing technical and legal hurdles and waiving penalties for residents who apply within a stipulated period.
When is the new policy expected to be announced?
The new policy is expected to be announced in the first week of October, with a detailed Government Resolution (GR) outlining the rules and processes for housing societies without an OC.
Who will be eligible to apply under the amnesty scheme?
Societies without a conveyance or CC will still be eligible to apply, and even those with FSI alterations or violations can apply. However, in cases where extra FSI or alterations have been carried out, the society will be required to pay a premium, though at a discounted rate.
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