Odisha Government to Address Apartment Regularisation and RERA Issues with ORERA

The Odisha government is taking significant steps to address the persistent concerns over the legalisation of unauthorised constructions in apartment projects. In a move to streamline the process, the state government has decided to hold discussions with the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) and key departments. These discussions are aimed at ensuring that the provisions of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) are effectively implemented.

Sources have revealed that the chief secretary is scheduled to hold a meeting with ORERA, the Forest and Environment Department, the Revenue Department, development authorities, the town planning directorate, and other concerned officials. The agenda includes addressing issues related to encroachment of conservancy lanes, passage for private land, and permission for the use of government land as connecting or approach roads.

One of the primary focuses of the meeting will be to deliberate on the status of housing projects that are facing registration hurdles due to the involvement of forest land and the conversion of leasehold land to freehold. This is particularly important in cases where building plans have been duly approved but are still encountering legal challenges.

The apartment regularisation scheme, which provides a framework for the regularisation of buildings constructed without prior approval or in deviation from sanctioned plans, will also be a key topic of discussion. The state government, in its notification issued on February 1, 2023, had allowed the registration of apartments completed before the commencement of RERA in the state, which was prior to February 25, 2017. However, this provision was stayed by the Orissa High Court to remove any ambiguity in the application of the Odisha Apartment (Ownership and Management) Act, 2023. This act clearly states that an apartment cannot be registered if it does not have an occupancy certificate (OC) and if the association of allottees of the apartment has not been formed and registered.

The discussions are expected to provide clarity and a roadmap for the regularisation of apartment projects, ensuring that they comply with legal and regulatory frameworks. This is crucial for both developers and homeowners, as it will help in resolving long-standing issues and promoting transparency and accountability in the real estate sector.

The meeting is also expected to address the broader implications of the RERA provisions, ensuring that they are implemented in a manner that benefits all stakeholders. The government's proactive approach in addressing these issues is a positive step towards creating a more regulated and transparent real estate market in Odisha.