Mumbai, July 2: The Maharashtra government has acknowledged that there were violations related to the transfer and redevelopment of 27 acres of land in Kandivali (West), originally reserved for Mathadi workers. A comprehensive investigation into the matter has been announced.
In response to a question raised by MLA Haroon Khan in the Assembly, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the district collector would be instructed to reclaim 26,900 square meters of vacant government land that was included in the redevelopment arrangement without prior approval.
Originally, the 27 acres of land under survey number 149 in Kandivali (Boriwali Taluka) was allocated to the Textile Market and Shop Board. It was later transferred to the ‘Vishal Sahyadri Cooperative Housing Society.’
Under this arrangement, 11,254 square meters of land was given to the Vishal Society, 334 square meters to a Ganesh temple, and 2,000 square meters to the Rayat Educational Institution, while the remaining 99,116 square meters was leased to the Vishal Sahyadri Society.
The minister noted that during the conversion of this second-class land to first-class, the government collected ₹42.07 crores as premium and ₹74.09 crores as stamp duty.
Bawankule pointed out that violations related to the construction timeline, commercial use of the land, and subsequent transfers were identified. Although ₹21.67 crores have already been collected to regularize some of these violations, legal and procedural irregularities remain.
The Pune-based Inspector General of Registration (IGR) will investigate stamp duty irregularities and discrepancies within the next 15 days. Comprehensive data identifying any administrative-level fraud will be submitted to the government within 7 to 15 days.
Additionally, since the 26,900 square meters of land was included in the developer’s agreement without prior approval from the district collector, it is considered a serious violation of conditions. Orders for immediate possession of this land will be issued.
Minister Bawankule assured that ordinary citizens and Mathadi workers residing in existing homes and housing societies would receive full protection. The government plans to grant ‘freehold’ status to these lands, ensuring residents obtain full ownership rights.
Local MLA Yogesh Sagar raised the issue of pending housing for Mathadi workers, stating that around 1,250 to 1,300 Mathadi worker families live in the area. Many applications from workers’ children remain pending. He suggested that instead of acquiring the additional 26,900 square meters of land indiscriminately, housing should be constructed for Mathadi workers at that location.
In response to this demand, the Revenue Minister stated that while instructions to reclaim the land have been issued due to rule violations, the government is committed to delivering justice to Mathadi workers. Meetings will be held with the relevant organization and MLA Yogesh Sagar. If 1,600 to 2,000 homes for workers are genuinely needed, the government is prepared to allocate that land for housing after collecting the necessary premium. The government has no objection to the developer receiving a ‘sale component,’ but it will not compromise on the housing rights of the original Mathadi workers.
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