Why This Probe Matters

The 20% reservation rule, introduced through a 2013 notification, mandates that developers constructing projects on land parcels exceeding 4,000 sq. m. must allocate at least 20% of the built-up area or units for EWS and LIG categories, typically handed over to MHADA for affordable housing distribution.

However, recent discussions in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly highlighted that this rule has not been effectively implemented in Nashik, raising serious concerns about compliance and governance.

High-Level Committee Formed

To investigate the issue, the state government has constituted a multi-departmental committee led by the Nashik Divisional Commissioner. The committee includes senior officials from:

• Land Records Department
• Stamp & Registration Department
• Police Department
• Town Planning Department

This indicates the seriousness of the matter, as multiple agencies will examine different aspects of land approvals, registrations, and project clearances.

Scope of the Investigation

The committee has been given a wide-ranging mandate, including:

• Identifying violations: जांच whether developers failed to reserve 20% units for EWS/LIG in eligible projects
• Recovery action: Initiating steps to recover the reserved housing stock or equivalent value where violations are found
• Fixing accountability: Determining responsibility of government officials involved in approvals
• Legal action: Recommending criminal proceedings against defaulting developers
• Policy corrections: Suggesting measures to prevent such violations in future

Strict Timeline for Action

The committee has been directed to submit its report within one month, indicating urgency in addressing the issue.

Impact on Homebuyers and Developers

This move could have far-reaching implications:

• For homebuyers (EWS/LIG):
  It could unlock access to affordable homes that were earlier denied or delayed.
• For developers:
  Increased scrutiny may lead to stricter compliance, penalties, or even legal consequences in case of violations.
• For the real estate sector:
  The probe reinforces the government’s intent to ensure that affordable housing policies are not bypassed, improving transparency and trust.

Bigger Picture: Strengthening Affordable Housing

The investigation aligns with broader housing initiatives like affordable housing schemes and aims to ensure that urban growth remains inclusive. If violations are confirmed, this could set a precedent for similar audits across other cities in Maharashtra.

Also Read: MHADA Announces New Lottery Date for Mumbai

The post Nashik MHADA 20% Housing Rule Under Scanner: Maharashtra Govt Orders Probe into EWS Housing Violations appeared first on Square Feat India.

The lottery draw was conducted at the Nashik Housing Board office in Gadkari Chowk under the supervision of Ranjan Thakare, Chairman of the Nashik Housing and Area Development Board.

Strong Demand Despite Supply Gap

Out of the total inventory:

• 422 tenements were offered in Nashik city
• 521 tenements were offered in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)

The response highlighted a clear mismatch between demand and supply:

• 496 applications were received for 422 homes in Nashik
• 283 applications were received for 521 homes in Sambhajinagar

Officials noted that this continued interest reflects the rising need for affordable housing, especially among economically weaker sections and middle-income buyers.

Location-Wise Distribution

In Nashik, the lottery included:

• 402 tenements for Lower and Middle Income Groups across key areas like Chunchale, Adgaon, Pathardi, Makhmalabad, and Satpur
• 19 tenements and 2 plots at Mhasrul and Panchak

Meanwhile, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

• 521 tenements were offered exclusively for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) under PMAY (Urban)

Future Supply Pipeline

Looking ahead, the Nashik Board has outlined expansion plans:

• 1,000 additional homes expected soon in Nashik
• New housing projects planned in Dhule, Jalgaon, Shrirampur, Nandurbar, and Ahilyanagar
• Focus on acquiring homes under the 20% inclusive housing scheme

Over the past year, MHADA’s Nashik and Sambhajinagar Boards have collectively sold more than 3,000 homes through lotteries, reinforcing their role in addressing housing needs for common citizens.

Operational Challenges

Authorities also revealed that the application deadline had to be extended twice due to:

• Technical issues in the system
• Implementation of the Model Code of Conduct during elections

Despite these hurdles, the lottery process was completed smoothly.

Key Officials Present

The event saw participation from key officials including:

• Shivkumar Awalkanthe (via video conference)
• Vaibhav Kedare
• Vaishali Pawar (Executive Engineer)
• Nitin Kulthe (Estate Manager)

Also Read: MHADA Mumbai lottery for 2,683 homes

The post MHADA Conducts Lottery for 943 Homes appeared first on Square Feat India.