The Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971, is set to undergo changes aimed at expediting slum rehabilitation projects in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The proposed reduction in the lock-in period from 10 years to seven years is expected to streamline the process of obtaining consent from slum dwellers and accelerate development. With around 302 SRA schemes in these cities, and about 150 pending, the revised guidelines aim to boost project progress.Read more

In Mumbai, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Economic Offences Wing is investigating alleged irregularities in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) expenditures, totalling a staggering Rs 12,000 crore. The SIT recently interrogated developer Alpesh Ajmera for eight hours in connection with the suspected Dahisar Eksar land scam. The SIT is focusing on three inquiries: the first involves a Rs 206 crore scam related to the swift appreciation of land acquired by BMC; the second looks into a Rs 200 crore misappropriation of funds within BMC departments; and the third delves into 60 projects worth Rs 5,000 crore executed across five BMC departments to uncover potential irregularities and conflicts.Read more

The Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) has issued cancellation warnings to 563 housing project developers for neglecting to provide mandatory project updates. This is part of a broader crackdown on 746 new residential projects registered in January. The developers, who failed to comply with the quarterly update requirements stipulated by the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016, face potential project registration termination if they do not respond within a 45-day window.Read more

The real estate regulatory authority in Madhya Pradesh has actively undertaken initiatives to address the issue of incomplete or neglected projects. Their administrative efforts have focused on bringing these projects to completion or reviving them after prolonged periods of stagnation. By taking proactive measures, the authority aims to ensure that these projects are no longer left in a state of limbo, providing relief to affected stakeholders and contributing to the overall growth and development of the real estate sector in the region.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the offices of three prominent realtors in Kolkata to trace ill-gotten money allegedly involved in a cash-for-jobs scam led by Sujay Krishna Bhadra, known as 'Kalighater Kaku.' The ED is investigating the fraudulent accumulation of funds through dishonest means and their concealment through various organizations and shell companies. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also taken action, demanding the submission of Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets dating back to 2014 from 14 civic bodies to investigate potential irregularities in the hiring process.Read more

During a district grievance committee meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister J.P. Dalal, an important decision was made to protect the rights of residents in societies. The directive emphasizes that no resident or property owner should be denied membership in the Residents Welfare Association (RWA). This move aims to promote transparency and inclusivity within the RWAs, ensuring that all eligible residents have the opportunity to become members and actively participate in decision-making processes.Read more

The Dehradun district administration has implemented proactive measures to restrict the sale and purchase of land exceeding 3000 bighas in compliance with the ceiling laws across various areas. This action aims to curb illicit activities and protect public interests as unscrupulous land mafias illegally subdivide and sell surplus land. The ban covers villages falling within the rural ceiling laws and ensures alignment between old and new parcel numbers. These decisive actions demonstrate the administration's commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving land ownership integrity.Read more

Sidco ignites industrial growth in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu, with the launch of its first industrial estate. Spread across 28.5 acres, this vibrant space offers 26 plots for entrepreneurial ventures. With reduced prices and a focus on first-generation entrepreneurs, Sidco aims to foster economic progress. Industries like food processing, agriculture, and engineering MSMEs are welcomed to harness the immense potential. The estate's strategic location on the Ariyalur-Jayankondam highway amplifies its potential as a hub for business and development.Read more

The Delhi High Court has stayed the operation of possession notices issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the alleged coal-block allotment scandal. The ED had attached two land parcels owned by Revati Cements Pvt Ltd and its director, claiming that the properties were acquired using illegal benefits. The land parcels were provisionally attached in 2019 and estimated to be worth nearly Rs 20 crore. The advocates representing the company and its director argued for setting aside the possession notices, citing an unexplained delay and the need for adherence to procedures under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).Read more

In a significant move, the Central government has doubled the Economically Weaker Section's (EWS) income eligibility cap under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) to INR 6 lakh, particularly affecting the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This revision broadens the scope of affordable housing schemes, allowing more applicants to benefit from MHADA and CIDCO's housing lottery. Concurrently, MHADA's Mumbai board has unveiled a preliminary list of 1,06,799 participants for the upcoming housing lottery, initially scheduled for July 18. MHADA is soon expected to announce a revised date and location.Read more