Nashik Municipal Commissioner's NOC Exemption Order Aligns with State Government Norms, Says Revenue Minister
State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule clarified on Wednesday that the Nashik municipal commissioner's directive, which exempts large construction projects from obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada), is fully aligned with existing state government regulations and norms.
Assembly Session Discussion on NMC Directive
The minister made this significant statement while responding to a calling attention motion raised by MLA Devyani Pharande during the state assembly session on Tuesday. Pharande had questioned the validity and legal standing of the municipal commissioner's order, expressing concerns about potential implications for housing policies.
The controversial order, issued last year by Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) commissioner Manisha Khatri, stated that residential projects developed on plots measuring 4,000 square meters or more would no longer require Mhada's NOC for approval and development.
Ongoing Mhada Scam and EWS Housing Concerns
MLA Pharande's objections to this exemption gain particular significance in light of the ongoing Mhada scam investigation, which involves alleged widespread violations of the mandatory 20% reservation for economically weaker section (EWS) housing in large residential developments across Maharashtra.
The situation escalated on March 7 when Sarkarwada police station registered a comprehensive cheating case against more than 150 landowners and developers. These individuals and entities stand accused of systematically bypassing the crucial 20% EWS housing requirement specifically designed for projects exceeding 4,000 square meters in size.
Investigation into Housing Policy Compliance
This FIR followed a formal complaint filed by a land records department officer, based on findings from a detailed inquiry conducted by a special committee led by the additional district collector. The committee's investigation focused specifically on whether developers had complied with the state's housing policies established in 2013 and subsequently updated in 2017.
These policies clearly mandate that 20% of land in all large-scale residential projects must be reserved exclusively for EWS housing. Within the jurisdictional limits of the Nashik Municipal Corporation, this reserved land must be formally allotted through Mhada to eligible EWS beneficiaries, ensuring affordable housing reaches those who need it most.
Minister's Clarification on Regulatory Alignment
Minister Bawankule's clarification seeks to address the apparent tension between the municipal commissioner's NOC exemption order and the ongoing investigations into EWS housing violations. He emphasized that the order does not contradict state government norms but rather operates within the established regulatory framework.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between municipal authority, state housing policies, and the enforcement mechanisms designed to ensure affordable housing provisions in rapidly developing urban areas like Nashik.
