Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that the government will prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the timely processing of applications for land conversion. The decision comes in response to concerns raised by BJP MLA Ameet Satam regarding widespread corruption and delays in the District Collector’s office related to the conversion of land from Occupancy Class II to freehold status.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, MLA Satam highlighted the long-standing demand for converting such lands to freehold a move intended to facilitate redevelopment and safeguard the interests of residents. However, he pointed out that government officials often impose unofficial charges in addition to the 10 percent premium legally payable to the government, leading to unnecessary delays and multiple queries that stall the process.

“Several cases in my constituency remain pending in the District Collector’s office due to repeated queries and unofficial charges, causing hardship to the common man,” Satam said. He pressed the government for a clear timeline on how quickly conversion applications would be processed once submitted.

Adding to the concerns, BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar shared that despite residents of his building paying ₹9 crore for land conversion, the Collector’s office sent a notice demanding an additional ₹6 crore, prompting him to urge the minister's intervention.

Responding to the issues raised, Revenue Minister Bawankule acknowledged the gravity of the problem and assured the Assembly that the government would establish SOPs with defined timelines for disposing of such applications. “This will help clear all pending cases and bring transparency to the process,” he said.

For context, Occupancy Class II lands are properties where ownership rights are subject to certain restrictions, while leasehold lands remain government-owned but leased to private individuals or societies. Conversion to freehold grants full ownership rights after payment of a specified premium based on the Ready Reckoner (RR) rates.

In 2019, the government launched a scheme offering concessional premiums for converting Occupancy Class II and leasehold lands to freehold a move that has generated strong demand, particularly among cooperative housing societies seeking redevelopment opportunities.