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Maharashtra govt allots Sion plot to VHP for 30 years for medical, educational activities
The official occupancy commenced on June 25 with an annual ground rent of Rs 10,186 for the entire period and a one-time premium of Rs 9.72 crore.
In addition, the organisation must pay a one-time premium of Rs 9.72 crore, calculated at 25 per cent of the usual rate applicable to such long-term occupancy. The civic body will set the payment schedule for both the annual rent and the premium. (File)
The Maharashtra government Thursday approved the allotment of a 7,658.33-square-metre plot in Sion to the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) for 30 years, converting the land from a leasehold plot into makta (occupancy) tenure.
The decision follows a proposal from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Improvements Department and has been cleared under provisions of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.
In October, the BMC submitted a proposal to the Urban Development Department (UDD), led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, seeking approval to allot the plot to the VHP for medical or educational purposes.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Shriraj Nair, a VHP spokesperson, said, “This plot has been part of our operations since 1984, during the time of a Congress government. Previously, it was on lease, but with the current renewal, the government will now receive revenue that it did not before. It is important to note that this is an existing facility; it is not a new allotment. We have been using this location to provide medical and educational assistance to those in need.”
On December 4, the UDD approved the proposal and clarified that occupancy will officially begin on June 25, 2025, the date the civic body granted its approval for a 30-year period. The government has fixed an annual ground rent of Rs 10,186, payable by the VHP for the entire 30-year period beginning June 25, 2025.
In addition, the organisation must pay a one-time premium of Rs 9.72 crore, calculated at 25 per cent of the usual rate applicable to such long-term occupancy. The civic body will set the payment schedule for both the annual rent and the premium.
As per the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), 2034, the plot is subject to various reservations. Only medical or educational activities are allowed on this land.
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The responsibility of ensuring that the land is used strictly as permitted and that all reservations are followed lies with the BMC commissioner.
This condition means that any construction or activity on the plot must fall within these two categories, and the civic body must verify that the rules are not violated.
The plot, located in F/North ward, was earlier on leasehold. The BMC’s Improvements Department forwarded a proposal to the state government recommending that it be converted into makta land and granted to the VHP for institutional work.
After examining the proposal, the state approved it and issued its sanction through an official government resolution.
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