Connect with us
Sunday,31-May-2026
Breaking News

National News

Mumbai: OC Amnesty Policy Implementation Delayed As BMC Awaits Standing Committee Sanction

Published

on

Mumbai: Mumbaikars residing in buildings without an Occupation Certificate (OC) will have to wait longer for the implementation of the new OC amnesty policy, as the BMC administration will now require sanction from the standing committee, which is yet to be formed.

“Citizens can apply once the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are finalised. As the OC amnesty policy will have a financial impact on the corporation, the standing committee’s sanction is necessary,” said a senior officer from the BMC development plan department.

The state Urban Development Department (UDD) on December 11 approved the BMC’s amnesty scheme for the regularisation of non-OC buildings, with revisions. The SOP was awaited from the BMC so that buildings could apply accordingly.

However, with the municipal elections concluded, statutory committees will now be formed with the newly elected corporators. The standing committee, which has the powers to make financial decisions for the corporation, is likely to be constituted by the end of February, after the mayoral election in mid-February.

The BJP-led Mahayuti announced the OC policy before the BMC elections, which was seen as a major factor influencing Mumbaikars to elect the ruling alliance. The policy is expected to benefit more than 20,000 buildings in Mumbai that lack OC due to factors beyond the control of occupants.

However, several housing experts have termed the policy a political move by the ruling parties to woo voters, pointing out that developers—responsible for completing documentation for regularisation while handing over possession—will go scot-free.

The media had reported on December 29, quoting a senior BMC officer, that under the BMC’s original proposal, buildings that had used Floor Space Index (FSI) were to be given a 50 per cent discount on the penalty under the amnesty scheme.

However, the UDD revised this to zero penalty if applications are made within six months, resulting in a loss to the corporation. The revision was introduced to attract more applicants for regularisation.

The revisions will benefit more non-OC buildings, as the UDD has directed the BMC to consider implementing the amnesty scheme for buildings constructed and occupied before November 17, 2016, instead of the earlier cut-off date of January 6, 2012.

Apart from the four-year extension in the cut-off year, the state government has also instructed the BMC not to levy any penalty on buildings that have converted Free FSI features to habitable use, provided they apply under the amnesty scheme within six months of the revised policy’s introduction.

The UDD has also directed the BMC to consider the amnesty scheme for granting OC to hospital and school buildings. However, commercial constructions will not be considered.

Other instructions include directing the BMC to proactively acquire playgrounds, gardens (PG, RG) and other reserved spaces and make them available for public purposes.

As per the revised amnesty scheme, the 50 per cent discount on the premium, as well as the concession regarding non-imposition of penalty for the first six months, will be applicable only to flats having a carpet area of up to 80 sq m.

National News

Not just a leader, MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde became an example of humanity, assured workers, “I will empower every worker”

Published

on

In politics, leaders are often identified by their speeches and rallies, but sometimes there are times when the human face of a leader touches the hearts of people. Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde has set such an example. Rasool Ghafoor Syed, who lost his son ten days ago, went to meet MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde in Kejriwal to share his grief. There, he suffered a sudden heart attack. He was immediately taken to the hospital but died during treatment. Two major tragedies have befallen a single family in a few days. As soon as the news of the incident was received, MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde went straight to the family home. He not only offered his condolences but also sat with the family and shared their grief. During this, Dr. Shinde provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh and assured the responsibility of the children’s education. This incident once again proved that Dr. Shrikant Shinde is not just a politician but also a sensitive human being who understands the pain and suffering of the common people. The way he supported his family in difficult times and showed humanity is being talked about in the entire region. Minister Bharat Sheth Gogawale, MP Sandipan Bhumare, former MLA Sangeeta Thombare and Yuva Sena Inspector Bajirao Chavan were also present with Shrikant Shinde during the event.

Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party leader and MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, who is on a visit to Maharashtra, said that Marathwada has always been the stronghold of Shiv Sena, and the party will work to empower every worker there. As part of his “Shiv Samavad” tour, he interacted with workers and office bearers in Bed district to review the preparations for the upcoming elections. At a meeting held in Kej, MP Dr. Shinde said that it is necessary to strengthen the organisation at the booth level in view of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. He urged the workers to go to the villages and strengthen the party. He said that the party leadership is also focusing on the common workers and those who work hard will get organizational responsibilities. He said that appointments for Taluka Heads, Deputy Taluka Heads, Branch Heads and Deputy Branch Heads in Parli and Kej assembly constituencies will be made soon. Minister Bharat Sheth Gogawale highlighted the important role of BLA in the voter list revision campaign and stressed the need to collect accurate voter information at every booth. He urged the workers to work diligently for the organization. Meanwhile, MP Dr. Shinde addressed three separate meetings from Kej, Parli, Beed, Majalgaon, Ashti, and Giurai assembly constituencies of Beed district. A large number of Shiv Sena members were present in the meetings.

During his tour of the “Shiv Samavad”, Dr. Shrikant Shinde visited 23 assembly constituencies of Marathwada in the last three days, directly interacted with party workers, and conveyed the message of strengthening the organization.

Continue Reading

National News

US President Donald Trump’s Daughter Tiffany Visits India’s Iconic Taj Mahal With Husband During Private Trip

Published

on

India’s most iconic monument just welcomed another high-profile visitor. Tiffany Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, made a stop at the world-famous Taj Mahal on May 30 during her private trip to India, accompanied by her husband, Michael Boulos.

The couple reportedly arrived in Agra on Saturday and spent time exploring the historic marble mausoleum before continuing their travels to Rajasthan. Videos from the visit, shared by press, showed Tiffany embracing the Indian summer in a breezy floral dress, while Michael opted for a relaxed casual look as they admired one of the world’s most celebrated architectural wonders.

Inside Tiffany Trump’s India visit with husband

Tiffany travelled to Agra via a chartered aircraft. Given the family’s global profile, authorities made special security arrangements during the visit. However, officials have clarified that the trip is entirely personal, with no political meetings or official engagements on the schedule.

Before arriving in Agra, Tiffany also visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi. Sharing her experience on social media, she described the visit as an “Incredible visit to Akshardham Temple,” offering followers a glimpse into her cultural tour across India.

The visit has naturally sparked interest, not only because of Tiffany’s famous family name but also due to the Trump family’s longstanding connection with India. Over the years, members of the family have frequently expressed admiration for India’s culture, heritage, and historic landmarks.

Tiffany, the daughter of Donald Trump and actress Marla Maples, married Michael Boulos in 2022. Since then, the couple has often been spotted together at family celebrations, public appearances, and international events.

Continue Reading

National News

Tejashwi Yadav To Lead Major RJD Organisational Overhaul After MLC Polls; Bihar Chief Mangani Lal Mandal Likely To Be Replaced

Published

on

Patna: RJD national working president Tejashwi Yadav may effect a major organisational rejig after the MLC polls, scheduled next month.

In the party`s organsiational overhaul, RJD is also likely to have a new Bihar chief, replacing the incumbent Mangani Lal Mandal. Ahead of the organisational rejig, Tejashwi is scheduled to hold meetings with the party’s district presidents, senior leaders, and party workers.

Senior RJD leaders will hold discussions in these meetings to formulate strategy for strengthening the party at the booth level. The announcement of the new team is expected to follow immediately thereafter. It is widely believed that, in addition to the state president, leaders holding various other organisational positions will also be replaced.

Mandal was  made state RJD president last year. Recently, Mandal created a flutter in party circles after he  expressed his displeasure regarding the working methods of party leaders and workers.

He alleged that several important events were being organised without informing senior office-bearers, and that party protocols were  not followed. He also warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those found violating party norms.

Amid the speculation over Mandal’s potential departure, names of former ministers Kumar Sarvajeet and Alok Mehta are doing the rounds for the post of state party chief.

Sarvajeet is considered the frontrunner in this race. He is the RJD MLA representing the Bodh Gaya assembly constituency and is known for his close proximity with both party chief Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi. 

The second major name in this race is Alok Mehta. He possesses extensive political experience at both the central and state levels in Bihar. He is a former MP and currently serves as the RJD MLA from the Ujiarpur constituency.

He is widely regarded as having a strong command over the party’s grassroots cadre. The third name in contention is that of RJD MP Sudhakar Singh. He is the son of the  former state RJD chief, Jagdanand Singh. 

The second major name in this race is Alok Mehta. He possesses extensive political experience at both the central and state levels in Bihar. He is a former MP and currently serves as the RJD MLA from the Ujiarpur constituency.

He is widely regarded as having a strong command over the party’s grassroots cadre. The third name in contention is that of RJD MP Sudhakar Singh. He is the son of the  former state RJD chief, Jagdanand Singh. 

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending