ULC repeal is must for central funds: Mah CM

Mumbai, Oct 26 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today said that the repealing of Urban Land Ceiling (ULC) Act is a must to avail of central funds for developmental projects in the state.

Speaking at an all party meeting convened to apprise the political leaders of the need to repeal ULC, Mr Deshmukh also announced that the new Housing policy would be announced on November 1 and the proposed legislation would be made public to elicit views and opinion of the public.

Mr Deshmukh said the state government had signed MoUs with the Centre for projects worth Rs 28,000 crore on different infrastructure projects and to get funds from the central government. The state has to fulfil certain pre-conditions and repealing ULC Act is one of them, he added.

Under the ULC Act, the government in last two years has acquired 2066 hectares of land from defaulting developers. Giving a break-up, Mr Deshmukh said in Mumbai, 433 hectares of land was acquired, Pune (271 hectares), Thane (354 hectares), Nagpur (361 hectares), Nashik (183 hectare).

Similarly, Rs 39 crore has been recovered as penalty from the erring developers.

Mr Deshmukh informed that the law and judiciary department has opined that the ULC Act cannot be repealed partially.

He said after the Act is repealed, about 400 to 500 hectares will be available and the real estate prices are likely to come down by 30 to 40 per cent and would benefit the middle class, Mr Deshmukh said.

Shiv Sena, NCP legislators, Communist leaders and former MLA Mrinal Gore were prominent among those present on the occasion.

UNI MR KU VD RN1931