Maharashtra to get regulatory body for housing [Feb 2012]

With an aim to bring in transparency and shield consumers from unscrupulous practices in the housing sector, the Maharashtra Cabinet recently approved setting up of a regulatory authority.
Sachin Ahir, Minister of state for Housing said a lot of housing projects were coming up in Maharashtra and consumers have been facing immense difficulties as far as getting a home of their choice was concerned.
As per the proposed Housing Regulatory and Development Authority, a builder will have to register his proposed project with the new body and furnish complete details of the project on the website of the same. If consumers face any difficulties, they can approach the housing regulator against the builder. Similarly, developers can also approach the real estate regulator for their grievances. The regulator has been given powers to impose penalty as per legal provisions.
Both consumers and developers can move the high court against the decisions of the Housing Regulatory and Development Authority, which will be headed by a retired high court judge.

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