Maharashtra gives affordable housing a boost

The Maharashtra government on Monday made it mandatory for developers with layout of over 2000 sq mt to reserve 20 per cent of land for affordable housing.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan who also holds the Housing portfolio told reporters after the cabinet meeting that decided developers preparing layout of more than 2000 sq mt, will have to set aside atleast 20 per cent of the land in 30 to 50 sq mt area.

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Similarly, while developing housing complex projects, it will be mandatory for them to reserve 20 per cent flats of 27.88 to 45 sq mt area for people from economically backward classes and low income groups.

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The plots and flats will be purchased by MHADA at construction cost and sold to needy persons through lottery system.

Chavan said due to this initiative, affordable houses will be made available in large numbers which will help to control the real estate prices as well.

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Development Control (DC) rules of municipal corporations and municipal councils will be amended to incorporate the necessary changes, Chavan added.