Pune: The Maharashtra state government has announced an extension of the concessional fee period for converting government-leased or occupied land (Occupancy Class-2) into full ownership (Occupancy Class-1) until December 31, 2025. This decision allows landholders to secure ownership at significantly lower fees, providing major relief to housing societies, landless citizens, and other beneficiaries.
After the deadline, applicants will be required to pay 60-75% of the Ready Reckoner rate for land conversion, significantly increasing costs. The extension ensures that eligible landholders can still apply at concessional rates, avoiding financial strain.
The state government had originally allotted lands on lease or occupancy rights to housing societies, freedom fighters, and landless citizens since 1966. These lands were recorded as Occupancy Class-2 (Government Owner), requiring District Collector approval for every transfer, leading to delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
To simplify ownership transfers, on March 8, 2019, the government decided to allow landholders to convert their plots to full ownership (Occupancy Class-1) by paying a concessional fee of 15-25% of the Ready Reckoner rate. However, this benefit expired on March 9, 2022, and landholders were required to pay 60-75% of the Ready Reckoner rate thereafter.
Key Developments & Government Order
The concession period, which ended in 2022, has now been extended until December 31, 2025.
The Revenue & Forest Department issued an order granting the extension, signed by Deputy Secretary Dhananjay Nikam.
The decision benefits housing societies on government land, giving them another opportunity to acquire full ownership at discounted rates.
Proposed Amendments & Public Feedback
To facilitate the process further, the state government has proposed amendments to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (1966). These amendments aim to simplify the conversion of leasehold and occupied government land into freehold ownership for residential, agricultural, and commercial purposes. Housing societies on such lands will also be included in the policy.
The government has invited public objections and suggestions until March 2, 2025. Citizens can submit their inputs to the Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue & Forest Department before the policy is implemented.
Revised Fee Structure for Land Ownership Conversion
Until December 31, 2025, landholders can convert government-leased or occupied land (Occupancy Class-2) into full ownership (Occupancy Class-1) at a concessional rate.
For residential land allotted on occupancy rights, the conversion fee is 15% of the Ready Reckoner rate until the deadline. After December 31, 2025, it will increase to 60%.
For residential land allotted on lease, the current conversion fee is 25% of the Ready Reckoner rate, which will rise to 75% after the deadline.
Cooperative housing societies can convert their land ownership at 10% of the Ready Reckoner rate until December 31, 2025. Post-deadline, the fee will increase to 60%.