Log on to apply for low-cost homes

Homebuyers seeking flats in Maharashtra Housing Area Development Authority’s (Mhada) schemes will no longer have to queue up for hours to apply for their low-cost dream homes.

Homebuyers seeking flats in Maharashtra Housing Area Development Authority’s (Mhada) schemes will no longer have to queue up for hours to apply for their low-cost dream homes.

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They can now do it at the click of the mouse.

The Mhada has decided to introduce an online application system for the new set of flats, which it will put up for the lottery in June 2011. The Mhada plans to bring at least 4,500 houses into the market in 2011. These flats are likely to be ready by December this year.

According to Amarjit Singh Manhas, chairman, Mhada (Mumbai Board), the online system offers several advantages. “Online applications will eliminate mistakes, which is a major reason for rejecting forms,” said Manhas. In the 2010 lottery, 7,960 forms were rejected because applicants had provided incomplete or incorrect information. The figure stood at 5,326 in 2009.

“Another advantage is that we will be able to conduct lotteries within a month of applications. Under the present system, it takes months to process the physical forms,” he said.

“A faster lottery system will ensure that an applicant’s money is not blocked for months,” said Alwayn Das, senior member, Mhada (Mumbai Board).

On Monday, information technology firm, Mastek, gave a presentation to Mhada officials on the new system. The software is being designed and is expected to be ready in early January 2011.

Mhada officials said the housing body will set up help desks at its 56 colonies and other places across the city, and tie up with various government organisations to speed up the effort.