Maharashtra Government to Simplify OC Process for 25,000 Housing Societies in Mumbai
The Maharashtra government is set to introduce a new policy to help around 25,000 housing societies in Mumbai obtain long-pending Occupation Certificates (OCs).
Mumbai Real EstateOccupation CertificateHousing SocietiesMaharashtra GovernmentAmnesty SchemeReal Estate MumbaiSep 15, 2025
The Maharashtra government is working on a detailed resolution (GR), expected in the first week of October, that will spell out the rules and processes for housing societies without an OC. But even before the official policy is released, a few important aspects are becoming clear, offering hope to many homeowners caught in a bureaucratic limbo.
What is an Occupation Certificate?
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 legal and administrative purposes, including obtaining loans, mortgages, and civic approvals.
Why do housing societies without OCs face problems?
According to real estate consultants, banks often hesitate to provide loans or mortgages, redevelopment plans can get stuck, and basic civic approvals like water or sewage connections may remain uncertain. In Mumbai, thousands of cooperative housing societies built decades ago still lack this crucial certificate. Media reports indicate that over 20,000 buildings in the city have full OCs, while more than 700 have partial OCs.
What has the Maharashtra government proposed?
The state government is expected to roll out an amnesty scheme on October 2 to simplify the process of obtaining OCs by removing technical and legal hurdles that have long been impediments. According to a Hindustan Times report, penalties may also be waived for residents who apply within a stipulated period.
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.
“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,” said Gopal Shetty, a former BJP MP from North Mumbai who is also a member of the Maharashtra government's committee that will draft the policy.
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.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra government's new policy to simplify the process of obtaining OCs is a significant step towards resolving long-standing issues faced by housing societies in Mumbai. This initiative is expected to bring much-needed relief to homeowners and streamline the legal and administrative processes associated with property ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Occupation Certificate (OC)?
An Occupation Certificate 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 and various other legal and administrative purposes.
Why do housing societies without OCs face problems?
Housing societies without OCs face issues such as difficulty in obtaining loans or mortgages, delays in redevelopment plans, and uncertainty in basic civic approvals like water or sewage connections.
What is the Maharashtra government's proposed amnesty scheme?
The Maharashtra government is proposing an amnesty scheme to simplify the process of obtaining OCs by removing technical and legal hurdles. Penalties may be waived for residents who apply within a stipulated period.
When is the detailed Government Resolution (GR) expected?
The detailed Government Resolution (GR) is expected to be released in the first week of October, outlining the rules and processes for obtaining OCs.
What are the key points of the new policy?
Key points include eligibility for societies without conveyance or CC, the ability to apply even with FSI alterations or violations, and the requirement to pay a premium for extra FSI or alterations, though at a discounted rate.
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