Nagpur: Maharashtra govt decided against a proposed 12% to 14% increase in Ready Reckoner (RR) rates, opting instead to introduce micro-zoning across key urban centres while easing property norms and cutting land survey costs in a broader push to stabilise the real estate sector.Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday said, “Considering the current global situation following the war in West Asia, the proposed RR rate hike was rejected in the interest of the public.”On the other hand, govt plans to roll out micro-zoning in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The system will determine property valuations based on hyper-local factors such as infrastructure and amenities. “One property’s rate will not be applied to another; valuation will reflect the specific characteristics of each location,” Bawankule said, linking the move to evolving development plans and regional layouts.The decision to hold RR rates steady comes despite rising property prices over the past year, signalling a calibrated approach to maintain affordability and sustain demand.Also, the govt has expanded regularisation limit for unauthorised residential constructions built before Jan 1, 2011 from 500 sq ft to 1,500 sq ft. The benefit will apply to structures on govt land or within approved layouts, subject to proof of Maharashtra residency and inclusion in the 2011 electoral rolls. Constructions beyond 1,500 sq ft will continue to face action. The state also unveiled measures to streamline land-related services. A new ‘Version 2′ software by the land records department will reduce the cost of land measurement from as high as ₹10,000 to about ₹1,000, with a fixed charge of ₹200 per subdivision. Officials said the system will rely on cloud-based data storage to improve efficiency and transparency.To further ease administrative processes, the govt decentralised quasi-judicial powers. District collectors will now decide cases up to ₹10 lakh, divisional commissioners up to ₹20 lakh, while matters up to ₹1 crore will be resolved at the local level. Revenue disputes must be concluded within 90 days and in no more than two hearings, the minister said. Taking a firm stance on rural access, the govt warned that those blocking farm access roads could face suspension of benefits under govt schemes for up to five years. Officials added that the 2026 Census would help refine future development planning.“Our govt is committed to speed and transparency, and decentralisation will save both time and money for citizens,” Bawankule said.Key TakeawaysMaharashtra drops 12%-14% Ready Reckoner rate hike plan citing global uncertaintyMicro-zoning to be implemented in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nagpur, Chhatrapati SambhajinagarProperty valuation to depend on hyper-local infrastructure and amenitiesRegularisation limit raised from 500 sq ft to 1,500 sq ft for pre-2011 constructionsEligibility linked to Maharashtra residency and 2011 electoral rollsLand survey costs cut from ₹10,000 to about ₹1,000 using new softwareCloud-based system to improve transparency and efficiencyDecentralisation of powers for faster dispute resolutionRevenue cases to be resolved within 90 days in two hearingsBlocking farm access roads may lead to loss of govt benefits
