Maharashtra Introduces Urban Reforms Bill To Qualify For Centre’s Special Grants

A bill aimed at implementing urban reforms, as recommended by the Central government to qualify for special grants, was introduced in the state assembly on Tuesday by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The bill proposes amendments to 25 sections of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. To access the special grant, the state must implement six reforms under the structure plan, local area plan and town planning scheme.

The centrally assisted programme will apply to cities with a population exceeding one lakh.

While the structure plan includes communication and transport, basic facilities such as sewage treatment plan, garden, solid waste management and water treatment plan and environmental status report. Besides this, it will also cover the protection of natural resources and the development of public amenities.

For the communication and transport, the Centre will provide funds for the roads and infrastructure. Through the capital investment, the cities will be able to undertake commercial as well as industrial projects and housing.

The bill also exempts the housing schemes under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana from the payment of the development charges and reduces the penalty on unpaid development charges applicable to constructions from the existing 18% to 12%.