Mumbai: Govt has granted the fifth extension for conversion of leasehold lands (occupancy class II) to freehold. Last week, the state revenue dept issued a draft notification extending the period till Dec 31 for concession in premium to be paid for the conversion. Feedback can be sent by March 12.Salil Rameshchandra, founder president, Federation of Grantees of Govt Land, said there are 3,000 housing societies in Mumbai. The majority are old and dilapidated and in urgent need of redevelopment, yet only 120 have so far opted for conversion of leasehold land to freehold, he said. “The residents are middle- or low-income group and can’t afford to pay the premium for conversion. In most cases, the premium has been paid by the builder appointed for redevelopment. Instead of granting periodic extensions, govt should make it a permanent policy.”Some key changes proposed are removal of PMAY condition for housing societies opting for self-redevelopment by paying 5% premium instead of 10%. Self-redevelopment is to be done in two years. The draft introduced a new scheme for the economically weaker section where the flat area does not exceed 350sqft. Also, conversion will be allowed of land where development work could not begin for 10 years due to court cases or Development Plan issues. TNN
