Interest on lease rent for societies in MHADA colonies in Thane waived

The Konkan Development and Area Development Board, in an amnesty scheme, has waived interest on lease rent for societies in MHADA colonies in Thane; the waiver of ₹35Cr will benefit 3,500 families residing in areas like Panchpakhadi and Sawarkar Nagar in Thane city

The Konkan Development and Area Development Board, in an amnesty scheme, has waived interest on lease rent for societies in MHADA colonies in Thane. The waiver of ₹35Cr will benefit 3,500 families residing in areas like Panchpakhadi and Sawarkar Nagar in Thane city.

The Konkan Development and Area Development Board, in an amnesty scheme, has waived interest on lease rent for societies in MHADA colonies in Thane. (For representational purposes only) (HT FILE PHOTO)

A demand from various political parties for 110 societies in Panchpakhadi and Sawarkar Nagar areas was placed. However, the waiver on interest and any fine imposed will be applicable to all the MHADA societies across Thane city. The decision, however, has led to hogging of credit for the same among the local NCP and Shiv Sena party leaders.

Around 2,000 families reside in 110 societies in the above-mentioned two areas while another 1,000-plus reside in other areas of Thane. The land where the societies are constructed is still under the ownership of MHADA. Local residents had claimed that while they were ready to pay the basic NA tax, the interest on the lease rent and the fine on the interest were too high and not affordable for them.

In a letter by Konkan Housing and Area Development Board, the authorities stated, “On the lines of Mumbai, there was a demand to extend the amnesty scheme to Konkan region as well. We had sent the proposal to the vice-president of the authority which was approved. As per the amnesty scheme, to encourage people to clear the dues, the interest imposed on the residents and shop owners from April 1, 1998 to March 31, 2022 will be waived.”