19 April,2016 07:51 AM IST | | Varun Singh
Builder runs into trouble with MHADA over its project of providing 10,000 1BHK houses for Rs 5 lakh each, which, it claims, it is undertaking under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY)
A Pune-based builder, Maple Shelters, has run into trouble with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) over its project of providing 10,000 1BHK houses for Rs 5 lakh each, which, it claims, it is undertaking under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY). MHADA, the agency which approves all projects under the PMAY in the state, has clarified that it hasn't given permission to Maple Shelters to undertake any such project.
The advertisement published by Pune-based Maple Shelters on April 14 announcing the launch of the project
On April 14, Maple Shelters had published an advertisement in newspapers, bearing even a picture of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, announcing the launch of its project. The advertisement sought applicants for a non-refundable fee of Rs 1,000.
The builder's website claims that the project is an initiative "aligned to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (sic)". Under its four criteria for eligibility, it says the applicants and co-applicants must be eligible for a loan from banks listed under the PMAY. Taking its claim further, it even says the house allotments might take place in Fadnavis' presence, depending on his availability.
Only 2 approved
MHADA has rubbished these claims, saying it has not cleared this project. "We have started an inquiry into the grounds under which the builder published the advertisement under the PMAY; they haven't been issued any permission for it. There are only two projects under PMAY which we have received - one from Solapur belonging to a beedi workers' association and another from Boisar, where an industrialist wants to construct of houses for industrial workers," said SS Zende, CEO and VP of MHADA.
Pune Collector Saurabh Rao said the district administration, too, has launched an inquiry into the issue. He said he summoned Maple Shelters with land and revenue records on Monday, and found no fault with them. But when asked about its association with MHADA and the housing department, Maple Shelters asked for a day's time to respond. The builder is expected to visit Rao's office with the relevant documents today. The collector told mid-day that he would also look into the motive behind collection of R1,000 as application fee.
Maple Shelters did not respond to mid-day's emails and calls. A public relations executive claimed Maple Shelters was planning to hold a press conference on Tuesday.
MHADA will construct 1,10,590 houses over the next four years in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and some 12,000 houses in Pune under this scheme. Anybody can approach MHADA for a house under the PMAY scheme, provided s/he meets the criteria mentioned. MHADA will conduct a lottery for 1,050 houses in Mumbai around May 31. The advertisement for it will be released by the end of this month.
