Mhada makes NOC must to check graft in redevpt plans …..Manthan K Mehta
Mumbai: In order to check corruption, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has decided to make it mandatory for cooperative housing societies to procure a noobjection certificate (NOC) from the deputy registrar of the cooperative department for redevelopment projects.
A senior official said, Unless, the NOC is received, we will not process any file pertaining to redevelopment projects. The decision has been prompted because of allegations and counter-allegations made by those involved in redevelopment projects. This will ensure that the names of Mhada officials are not sullied because of internal disputes within the housing society.
There are around 56 Mhada colonies in Mumbai and more than 2,500 buildings are being redeveloped because they are dilapidated. Redevelopment of these buildings has resulted in a windfall for the housing body, developers as well as residents because the government has sanctioned an FSI of 2.5 for Mhada colonies.
A Mhada official said, In the past, along with other important documents, we did insist on a copy of the resolution passed during the general body meeting called by a society for approving a redevelopment proposal. Despite this, some members used to approach us with complaints on the grounds that their society had not followed proper procedure before finalizing the developer or on the terms and conditions of the redevelopment project.
Mhada cited the department of cooperatives had come out with a GR dated January 9, 2009, listing certain dos and don’ts (see box) for housing societies interested in redeveloping their properties.
Officials have asked them to follow the GR in toto before submitting any proposal for redevelopment. Though the onus was not on us, we went ahead and passed this rule to ensure that illegal practices are curbed while carrying out redevelopment of Mhada properties, the official said.
However, not many are happy with the decision. Prasanna Thatare, member of Mhada board said, The decision should not be made applicable to projects that have already been cleared by Mhada, unless there are any specific complaints. Moreover, a timeframe should be set for the deputy registrar to grant an NOC once the papers are submitted. Or else, this ruling has the potential for further delaying the redevelopment of many dilapidated buildings in the city.
Thatare said there was inadequate staff in the deputy registrars office, which would further delay the issuing of an NOC.
According to advocate Vinod Sampat, president of Cooperative Societies Residents, Users and Welfare Association, members who are aggrieved by the managing committee-developer nexus can now expect a better deal because of this decision. The rule is bound to ensure more transparency in redevelopment projects.
MEETING GROUND
What the GR states
– A senior officer, appointed by the state, will act as an observer
– Only members with identity cards will be allowed to participate
– The managing committee of a co-op housing society will call a general body meeting in a month
– The panel will prepare a list of architects and project consultants
– The panel will invite quotations from them and select one architect/project consultant