Maharashtra Govt Regularizes Rural Encroachments: Relief for Thousands of Families

• Maharashtra government issues GR to regularize residential encroachments on government land made up to January 1, 2011, excluding Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban districts.
• Encroachments up to 1500 sq ft approved for regularization; those up to 500 sq ft will be regularized free of charge.
• Sensitive areas like riverbeds, forest lands, and public roads are excluded; families in these areas will receive housing under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
• Regularized land will be jointly granted to husband and wife as 'Occupant Class-2'; commercial use incurs 25% market value charge.
• District Collector-led committees will scrutinize applications; Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule emphasizes providing shelter to needy families.