Nashik: High-level panel to probe Mhada reservation irregularities

Nashik: The Maharashtra State Revenue and forest department has established a high-level committee to probe significant irregularities on the implementation of the 20% Mhada (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) reservation policy within the Nashik region.This administrative action follows a call-to-attention motion raised during the 2026 Budget Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. MLA Devyani Pharande raised a call-to-attention motion in the Legislative Assembly, highlighting how affordable housing meant for the common public was diverted through fraudulent means.The move comes after multiple reports suggested that several land developers failed to comply with the mandatory provision of surrendering 20% of their total area or built-up space to MHADA to provide housing for Low Income Group (LIG) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing despite 2013 orders."A high-level committee was set up by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. The committee is formed under the chaimanship of divisional commissioner of Nashik, and it includes Commissioner of Settlement and Director of Land Records from Pune, the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps from Pune, the Police Commissioner of Nashik, and Director of Town Planning and Planning from Pune. The Deputy Director of Land Records from Nashik will be the member secretary," said a senior officer from district collectorate.The committee will audit all major residential projects approved over the last decade. Key focus areas include verifying if occupation certificates (OCs) were issued to developers without ensuring compliance with the 20% reservation rule, investigating the role of local planning authorities and whether there was a lapse in monitoring the handover process, and estimating the potential loss to the state exchequer and the impact on the regional affordable housing inventory.The committee is expected to submit its primary findings within the next month. Strict action, including heavy penalties and the potential withholding of future clearances, is anticipated for developers found in violation of the policy.