Pune: Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant Promises Action on Freehold Status for PCNTDA Properties

Mumbai/Pimpri Chinchwad, 5th July 2024: Maharashtra’s Minister for Industries, Uday Samant, has assured residents of the Pimpri Chinchwad New Town Development Authority (PCNTDA) that a decision will be made regarding the freehold status of their properties without causing financial loss to the state government.

During the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in Mumbai, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Mahesh Landge from Bhosari demanded that a total of 97,414 properties in the PCNTDA area be converted to freehold. In response, Minister Samant assured PCNTDA residents of positive action.

MLA Landge explained that PCNTDA was established in 1972 to acquire and develop land for distribution to laborers and economically weaker sections. The government generated revenue through the highest bids from auctions according to the ready reckoner rate at that time, fulfilling the purpose of PCNTDA. In 2021, PCNTDA was merged with the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). The developed properties were handed over to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) for maintenance and repairs.

However, property owners have not received the Building Completion Certificate due to PCNTDA’s complicated processes. Property transfer fees are exorbitant, and the heir registration process is complicated and time-consuming. Additionally, 95% of societies lack convenience deeds, preventing the redevelopment of 30-year-old societies. These properties do not show clear titles, causing nationalized banks to withhold loans from property owners. MLA Landge highlighted that 97,414 property owners are suffering mental agony due to these issues.

The Maharashtra State Government has taken a positive stance on this matter, which will provide relief to around 5 lakh PCNTDA citizens.

MLA Landge stated, “Freehold of properties within PCNTDA will not burden PCMC, PMRDA, or the Maharashtra State Government. Since PCNTDA has been merged with PMRDA, the developed, i.e., leased properties are classified under PCMC. PCMC earns around Rs 100 crore in revenue from these properties and receives subsidies from the Central and Maharashtra state governments. Additionally, property tax and other revenue sources belong to the PCMC. Therefore, if the properties are freehold, i.e., free from lease agreements, revenue will increase. This issue is going to be resolved.”

What Are Freehold Properties?

Freehold properties refer to real estate where the owner possesses full and permanent ownership of both the land and any structures on it. Unlike leasehold properties, which are held for a specified term and often subject to restrictions by the landlord, freehold ownership provides indefinite tenure. Owners have the autonomy to use, modify, sell, or lease the property at their discretion. This type of property is highly desirable as it offers security and complete control without the need to renew leases or pay ground rent. Freehold ownership is commonly associated with residential houses and land but can also apply to commercial properties.