In a major relief to holders of residential Nazul lands in Nagpur and Amravati divisions, the Maharashtra Government has extended the ‘Special Abhay Scheme 2024-25’ by one year, from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. The decision was taken by the State Government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following his directions, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced. The extension will provide another opportunity to thousands of leaseholders who could not avail themselves of the benefits of the scheme earlier due to various reasons. The issue was raised by local public representatives, following which a meeting was convened in the chamber of Revenue Minister Bawankule. Subsequently, a committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner was constituted, and the scheme was extended in 2024.

 

The Government has now decided to provide another opportunity to eligible landholders to regularise their land-related matters. Key provisions and benefits Under the scheme, residential Nazul lands allotted through auction or other means on lease can be converted into freehold (Occupant Class-I) by paying a premium of just 2% of the market value as per the prevailing Annual Statement of Rates (Ready Reckoner). Another major concession relates to outstanding lease rent. During the scheme period, arrears of lease rent will be charged at a concessional rate of 0.02%. However, if the outstanding land rent is not paid by July 31, 2027, penal interest at the rate of 10% per annum will be levied on the arrears thereafter.

 

The scheme also provides relief in cases involving violations of lease conditions. Such violations can be regularised by charging unearned income at the rate of 1% of the market value, calculated on the basis of the Annual Statement of Rates applicable for the year in which the last violation occurred. The revised scheme will remain applicable for one year, from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. After its expiry, the existing revenue rules will come into force again from August 1, 2027. 

 

 

The extension is expected to benefit thousands of holders of residential Nazul lands in 11 districts across the Nagpur and Amravati divisions. These include Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Bhandara, Wardha, Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Buldhana and Washim.