The decision was issued through a Government Resolution by the Home Department. The RTO office in Borivali has been operating since April 2015 from a property owned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in Kandarpada, Dahisar (West), Mumbai.

The earlier lease agreement expired on March 31, 2025. While the government has already approved the shifting of the RTO office to a new MTNL building in Dahisar (East), the relocation process is expected to take time. To ensure continuity of services, the state has decided to extend the existing lease.

As per the new approval, the lease has been renewed for a two-year period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027.

In addition, the government has granted administrative and financial approval to pay pending rent amounting to ₹25,77,664 for the period from April 2025 to March 2026.

Officials stated that the expenditure will be covered under the designated budget head for transport offices and rent-related expenses. The decision ensures uninterrupted functioning of the RTO office until its relocation to the new premises is completed.

The move highlights the government’s effort to maintain essential public services while managing infrastructure transitions in Mumbai’s suburban administrative network.

Also Read: Maharashtra Govt Fast-Tracks Redevelopment of Buildings on Mumbai’s Mill Lands

The post Maharashtra Renews Borivali RTO Office Lease, Approves ₹25.77 Lakh Rent Payment appeared first on Square Feat India.

The decision was issued through a Government Resolution by the Revenue and Forest Department. The compensation pertains to land bearing Survey No. 94/2A, measuring 4.55 hectares, which was acquired for the gaothan (village settlement) expansion scheme.

The case dates back to 2004, when the Sub-Divisional Officer in Pandharpur passed an award for the land acquisition. Subsequently, landowners, including Maganlal Premchand Vohra and others, approached the court under provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, seeking enhanced compensation.

In July 2017, the District Judge-1 at Malshiras ruled in favor of the landowners and granted increased compensation. Following this order, the Solapur District Collector requested the state government to release the required funds.

Acting on this request, the state government has now sanctioned a total of ₹2,80,76,138 for disbursement during the financial year 2026–27. The funds will be routed through the Divisional Commissioner, Pune, and disbursed to the eligible landowners after due verification.

The government has laid down strict conditions to ensure proper utilization of funds. Authorities have been directed to verify the final compensation amount before payment, ensure that funds are used only for the intended purpose, and maintain proper accounting records. Officials must also submit utilization certificates and expenditure reports to the government and the Accountant General.

The move is expected to bring long-pending relief to affected landowners and reflects the government’s effort to comply with judicial orders in land acquisition cases tied to rural development projects.

Also Read: Housing Society Wins Key Victory in Deemed Conveyance Dispute Against Developer

The post Maharashtra Approves ₹2.80 Crore Compensation for Landowners in Akluj Village Expansion Case appeared first on Square Feat India.

The Government Resolution (No. Jamin-2023/Pr.Kr.241/Jamin-01, dated 8 May 2026) makes registered lease agreements mandatory under the Registration Act, 1908. Oral or unregistered contracts will no longer be recognised. Every lease must clearly specify the land details, lease period, rent (cash, kind, or share of produce), and renewal terms. Crucially, the guidelines emphasise that tenants acquire no permanent rights — land automatically reverts to the owner at the end of the lease term.

Key highlights of the new framework:

• Tenant-friendly benefits: Registered lessees will now be eligible for crop loans, crop insurance, government subsidies, and disaster relief — facilities previously out of reach for most informal tenants.
• Strong owner safeguards: Owners can resume land without legal hurdles after the lease ends. Sub-leasing is strictly prohibited.
• Special protection for tribal land: Leases involving Scheduled Tribe land require prior Collector permission and can only be given to ST individuals.
• Efficient administration: Tahsildars must maintain a dedicated Lease Agreement Register. Disputes must be resolved within three months.
• Transparency and ease: The process is designed to encourage formal leasing while eliminating the fear that has kept many owners from renting out their land.

The government stated that existing tenancy laws had created insecurity among landowners and limited opportunities for the landless. The new system seeks to modernise agricultural tenancy, improve productivity, and accelerate rural growth.

A senior revenue official said, “This reform balances the interests of both parties — giving landowners complete security while empowering tenant farmers with formal recognition and institutional support.”

Farmers’ groups have welcomed the move, calling it a “long-overdue reform” that could transform the lives of lakhs of landless and small cultivators across the state.

Also Read: Land Given for Farming, Not Housing: Bombay High Court Backs Maharashtra Govt in Taking Back Ambernath Cooperative Society Land

The post Maharashtra Unveils Game-Changing Land Leasing Rules: A New Era of Opportunity for Landless Farmers appeared first on Square Feat India.

The decision was approved by the state cabinet in its meeting held on January 17, 2026, and formalised through a Government Resolution (GR) issued subsequently. The resolution grants in-principle approval for the project and outlines the execution, funding and monitoring structure, while the final project cost and phasing will be determined after a detailed techno-economic feasibility study.

Severe Housing Shortage for Mumbai Police

According to the GR, Mumbai Police has a sanctioned manpower strength of over 51,000 personnel, but currently has access to only around 19,700 service residences. Many of the existing quarters are old, undersized and located in dilapidated structures built several decades ago.

As a result, a large section of police personnel commute daily from distant locations such as Virar, Palghar, Kalyan, Kasara and Panvel, adversely affecting response time, operational efficiency and quality of life.

The government noted that Mumbai’s role as India’s financial capital, along with its exposure to security threats, large public events, natural disasters and social complexities, makes adequate housing near duty locations a critical operational requirement for the police force.

Project Scope and Housing Norms

The proposed housing township project envisages the construction of tens of thousands of service housing units for Mumbai Police personnel across various ranks.

As per norms referenced in the GR:

• Constables to sub-inspectors will be eligible for housing units with a carpet area of around 45 sq m
• Officers will be allotted larger units based on rank and entitlement, in line with prevailing government housing norms

Funding Approach Outlined, Cost Yet to Be Finalised

The GR outlines a broad funding framework for the project, which includes:

• A combination of state government support
• Institutional borrowing, backed by government guarantee
• Land monetisation and commercial development of select parcels, strictly for the purpose of servicing debt and project-related financial obligations

However, the resolution clearly states that the final financial outlay, phasing and viability will be decided only after preparation of a Detailed Techno-Economic Feasibility Report.

MSIDC Appointed as Implementing Agency

The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (MSIDC) has been appointed as the nodal implementing agency for the project.

MSIDC has been tasked with:

• Preparing the Detailed Techno-Economic Feasibility Report
• Appointing architects, consultants and transaction advisors
• Managing tendering and procurement processes
• Submitting the feasibility report to the Home Department within the stipulated timeframe

Ownership of project land parcels will be transferred to the Commissioner of Police, Greater Mumbai, with the land use remaining strictly aligned to police housing and approved allied purposes.

Oversight and Compliance

The project will be monitored by a high-level committee constituted under the Home Department. The GR mandates compliance with:

• Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034
• Statutory approvals and transparent tendering norms
• Regular reporting, audits and inter-departmental coordination

The government resolution has been uploaded on the official Maharashtra government website and has been digitally authenticated in the name of the Governor of Maharashtra.

Also Read: Half of Mumbai’s Police Force Lives Outside the City as Housing Gap Worsens

The post Maharashtra Govt Clears Framework for Large-Scale Mumbai Police Housing Township Project appeared first on Square Feat India.

The allotted land parcel is Plot No. 4, measuring 14,600 square metres, located in Sector-12 of Ulwe node, Navi Mumbai. The allotment has been made to TTD, a charitable trust, through the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO).

Strategically located near the Navi Mumbai International Airport and well connected to other parts of Navi Mumbai, the Ulwe node was identified as suitable for the proposed temple due to its accessibility and growing urban population.

The decision follows an earlier government resolution dated March 12, 2024, which approved the allotment of land at CIDCO-determined rates. However, considering TTD’s charitable status and its request for parity with land earlier allotted for the construction of a Sri Venkateswara Temple, the state cabinet approved the revised allotment at a concessional rate of ₹1 per square metre.

The CIDCO Board of Directors had passed a resolution on April 30, 2025, recommending that the proposal be placed before the state cabinet. The final approval was granted in the cabinet meeting held on January 17, 2026, paving the way for the issuance of the formal government order.

According to the resolution, all other terms and conditions of the March 12, 2024 government order will continue to apply, except for the revised land pricing. The government has also waived other incidental charges, service fees and taxes associated with the land allotment.

The Sri Padmavati Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanur, Andhra Pradesh, holds significant religious importance and is considered as sacred as the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. The Maharashtra government noted the deep devotional connection between Maharashtra and Tirumala, with a large number of devotees from the state regularly visiting Tirupati.

The government resolution has been published on the official Maharashtra government website and has been digitally signed in the name of the Governor of Maharashtra.

Also Read: Tirupati Temple to Come up in Ulwe CIDCO to allot Land

The post Maharashtra Govt Allots Ulwe Land to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for Padmavati Ammavari Temple at ₹1 per Sq m appeared first on Square Feat India.

The GR, dated January 21, 2026 (reference: संकीर्ण-2023/प्र.क्र.148/गृनि-प्र), ratifies actions taken by MHADA in the project, which has faced multiple hurdles since its inception around 2008. The project, covering a large MHADA layout, aimed to rehabilitate thousands of tenants from dilapidated Patra Chawl structures while enabling redevelopment.

Key highlights from the resolution include:

• Ratification of Consent Terms — The government has given post-facto approval to the consent terms MHADA submitted in the Bombay High Court amid contempt proceedings. These terms address non-recovery of dues from the earlier developer, M/s. Garudashish Construction (also referred to in related contexts as Guru Ashish Construction or similar entities involved in past disputes). MHADA has taken possession of specific plots (R-7/B-4, R-7/A-5, and R-12 (part)). From January 1, 2018, onward, 9% simple interest will be payable on amounts paid by purchasers/allottees to the previous developer.
• Approval of All Prior Actions — All steps undertaken by MHADA so far in the redevelopment and rehabilitation process have been officially ratified, clearing the way for further progress.

The decision follows recommendations from retired officials, including former Chief Secretary Johnny Joseph and retired Bombay High Court Judge D.K. Deshmukh, and was approved in the Council of Ministers meeting on January 17, 2026.

The Patra Chawl redevelopment has been marred by delays, legal battles, developer insolvencies, and controversies (including land scams linked to earlier entities like HDIL subsidiaries). Earlier phases saw partial completions, such as 672 rehabilitation flats handed over in segments like R-09, with modern amenities including community halls and gardens. Recent allotments via computerized lotteries have benefited hundreds of eligible tenants after 15–16 years of waiting.

This latest GR provides much-needed legal closure to past litigation and financial disputes, enabling MHADA to push forward with remaining rehabilitation and redevelopment works in Siddharth Nagar.

Officials indicate that this approval will help expedite allotments and infrastructure development, bringing relief to long-suffering residents in the Goregaon area.

Also Read: All about Patra Chawl, Sanjay Raut & ED

The post Maharashtra Government Approves Key Consent Terms in Patra Chawl MHADA Redevelopment Project in Goregaon appeared first on Square Feat India.

The decision has been taken through a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Home Department, Government of Maharashtra, dated 1 January 2026.

What Is the Issue?

Currently, houses in police colonies across Mumbai are service quarters, meaning:

• They are allotted only during active service
• They must be vacated on transfer, retirement, or resignation
• Police personnel do not get ownership rights
• Homes cannot be sold, transferred, or inherited

Over the years, demands have grown from serving and retired police personnel to convert these houses into ownership homes, similar to other government housing schemes.

No Policy Decision Yet, Only a Study Panel

Importantly, the government has not yet approved ownership rights.

Instead, the GR makes it clear that:

• The matter involves complex legal, technical, financial, and policy considerations
• A detailed examination is required before any final decision

To address this, the government has formed a dedicated study committee.

Who Will Head the Committee?

The committee will be chaired by:

Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Government of Maharashtra

The chairperson’s rank reflects the policy sensitivity and financial implications of the decision.

Who Are the Members?

The committee includes senior officials from key departments, ensuring a 360-degree evaluation:

• Additional Chief Secretary – General Administration
• Additional Chief Secretary – Finance
• Additional Chief Secretary – Public Works Department (PWD)
• Principal Secretary (Special) – Home Department
• Additional Director General of Police (Administration)
• Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration), Mumbai
• Deputy/Under Secretary, Home Department (Member Secretary)

What Will the Committee Examine?

The committee has been tasked with examining:

1. Legal Feasibility

• Whether existing laws permit ownership transfer
• Whether amendments are required

2. Technical Feasibility

• Structural condition of buildings
• Redevelopment, safety, and infrastructure issues

3. Financial Implications

• Valuation of government land and buildings
• Whether homes should be free, subsidised, or sold
• Impact on the state exchequer

4. Policy Impact

• Effect on availability of housing for future police personnel
• Treatment of serving vs retired staff
• Long-term police housing strategy

Why This Matters for Mumbai’s Housing Landscape

Police colonies in Mumbai are often located on prime urban land, making this proposal significant beyond just welfare.

If ownership rights are eventually approved, it could lead to:

• Large-scale redevelopment projects
• Questions on FSI, land ownership, and redevelopment rights
• A possible precedent for other government housing colonies

Housing societies, developers, and urban planners are closely watching the move.

What Happens Next?

The committee will:

• Conduct a detailed study
• Submit recommendations to the state government

Only after reviewing the report will the government decide whether:

• Ownership rights will be granted
• And under what conditions

Until then, police housing remains service accommodation.

Bottom Line

• No ownership rights granted yet
• High-level committee formed
• Legal, financial, and technical review underway
• Final policy decision awaited

This is the first formal step toward a potentially historic shift in police housing policy in Mumbai.

Also Read: Developers Finally Listen to Mumbai Police Commissioner

The post Can Mumbai Police Finally Own Their Homes? Maharashtra Sets Up High-Level Panel to Study Ownership Rights in Police Colonies appeared first on Square Feat India.

The move comes after sustained objections from mill workers’ unions, representations to the government, and political pressure over a clause that was widely seen as harsh and unfair.

What the Government Changed

In a Government Resolution issued on 15 March 2024, the state had approved housing for eligible workers from 58 closed or sick textile mills in Mumbai and their legal heirs. However, Clause 17 of that resolution stated that:

If a mill worker or heir refused the house offered, their housing application would not be considered again.

This effectively meant a one-time refusal led to a permanent loss of housing rights, regardless of reasons such as location, size, or suitability of the dwelling.

Following strong opposition, the government has now issued a corrigendum GR dated 29 December 2025, officially deleting Clause 17.

Why This Decision Matters

With this correction:

• Eligible mill workers or their heirs will not lose their housing rights permanently if they reject a particular allotment
• Their applications can still be considered in future allotment cycles
• Workers will no longer feel forced to accept unsuitable housing out of fear

The change restores flexibility and fairness to a long-pending housing promise made to Mumbai’s textile workers.

Scale of the Mill Workers’ Housing Issue

The mill workers’ housing programme is one of Mumbai’s largest labour-linked housing initiatives. Nearly 98,600 mill workers have been identified as eligible for homes in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Despite this, actual allotments over the years have been limited, with only a fraction of eligible workers receiving homes through earlier MHADA allotment exercises. Many families have waited for decades since the collapse of Mumbai’s textile industry in the early 1980s.

Against this backdrop, any rule that risked permanent exclusion was seen as particularly severe.

Unions Welcome the Rollback

Mill workers’ unions had raised strong objections to the clause during meetings with the government in mid-2025, arguing that it punished workers for exercising choice and ignored ground realities such as distance from workplaces, medical needs, or family size.

The deletion of the clause is being viewed as a major relief and a recognition of the workers’ long-standing concerns.

What This GR Does — and Does Not Do

Removes a punitive condition
Protects future eligibility of mill workers
Makes the scheme more humane

Does not announce new houses
Does not expand eligibility
Does not immediately allot flats

The broader housing scheme remains unchanged, but its implementation is now less rigid.

Bigger Implications for Mumbai Housing Policy

At a time when Mumbai faces acute housing stress and land scarcity, the amendment signals a more sensitive approach to legacy labour housing issues. It also highlights how sustained public pressure can lead to course correction in policy.

How quickly homes are now allotted — and whether the scheme gains momentum — will be closely watched.

The post Maharashtra Govt Reverses Harsh Rule on Mill Workers’ Housing Allotment — “No More Lifetime Ban for Rejecting an Offered Home” appeared first on Square Feat India.

The decision was taken in line with the Cabinet resolution dated August 26, 2025, and formalized through a government resolution (GR) issued on October 3, 2025.

Strategic Role of Nagpur

Nagpur serves as a critical economic and logistical centre for Maharashtra and adjoining states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. With a population reach of over 500 km, the city functions as a hub for IT, healthcare, education, and industrial services.

Known as “Orange City” for its thriving citrus trade, Nagpur also boasts a robust international logistics park, which plays a key role in the storage and transportation of goods — particularly agricultural and mineral commodities. The new expressway extension aims to leverage this strength to spur development in adjoining districts.

Expressway Alignment and Scope

The approved expressway alignment includes three main components:

Total Length: 162.577 km

The route starts from Manapur Interchange on the Nagpur Bypass and extends through Bhandara district before reaching Gondia. The project is designed as a controlled access expressway, ensuring faster, safer travel while supporting regional logistics.

Economic and Social Impact

The Nagpur–Gondia Expressway is expected to catalyse economic activity in tribal, mineral-rich, and underdeveloped areas of Vidarbha — notably Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur districts.

Key expected benefits include:

• Industrial growth in mineral and agriculture processing sectors
• Improved market access for farmers and rural enterprises
• Job creation through infrastructure and subsequent industry
• Stronger integration of tribal and interior regions with mainstream economic networks

The project is also expected to improve connectivity in Naxal-affected areas, supporting security, mobility, and overall regional development.

Funding & Land Acquisition

The project will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The government has granted administrative approval for land acquisition, with the following sanctioned amounts:

• ₹2,006.03 crore – Principal (Land Cost)
• ₹1,156.16 crore – Interest
• Total: ₹3,162.18 crore

Land acquisition will be taken up immediately, followed by the preparation of detailed financial and technical reports. Final Cabinet approval will allow MSRDC to execute the project using the existing Public Works Department model.

The state has also committed to cover any revenue shortfall in MSRDC’s revenue stream to ensure timely repayment of HUDCO loans, a clause included in HUDCO’s Comfort Letter.

Official Notification

The Government Resolution (GR) is available on www.maharashtra.gov.in. It marks the official administrative sanction for the project’s land acquisition phase and implementation under MSRDC’s purview.

A Boost for Eastern Maharashtra

The Nagpur–Gondia Expressway is more than a transport project — it’s a strategic investment in the Vidarbha region’s socio-economic future. By linking tribal, agricultural, and mineral-rich areas to Nagpur’s logistics and industrial ecosystem, Maharashtra aims to balance regional development and unlock new growth corridors.

Also Read: MSRDC Plots Worth Rs 15,000 Crore Up For Grabs

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