MHADA Lokshahi Din hearing helps lottery winner get flat possession after developer's excess charge demand

Winning a flat in a MHADA lottery is the dream of every ordinary person. But when an applicant who has won a flat under the 20 per cent inclusive housing scheme still has to wait for possession because of a developer's unjustified demands, it becomes a major problem. It is the administration's responsibility to understand people's difficulties and resolve their problems within a set time. The Lokshahi Din of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has once again shown such a sensitive, people-centred administration at work.

MHADA's Konkan Board held a lottery for the 20 per cent inclusive housing scheme in 2021. Dnyaneshwar Garkal was among the winners. He had paid the full sale price of the flat. Even so, the developer concerned was demanding a larger sum in the name of a basic infrastructure development charge, which held up possession of the flat.

Having to wait for the home that was rightfully his, Garkal lodged a complaint at the 22nd Lokshahi Din, held on October 12, 2026.

Taking the complaint seriously, Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS), MHADA's Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer, asked the officials concerned during the hearing to issue the necessary instructions on the increased charge. He also directed them to act immediately to get the applicant possession of the flat. Accordingly, the department concerned acted swiftly and Garkal received possession of his flat.

The case shows that Lokshahi Din is not merely a forum for lodging complaints but an effective initiative for resolving people's problems. It also shows that MHADA's administration gives priority to work that serves the public and to settling complaints within a set time. Giving people real solutions and relief, rather than only assurances, is the true purpose of Lokshahi Din. Garkal's possession of his flat has become an example of the initiative's impact. Lokshahi Din gives people a chance to put their case directly before the administration, and the department concerned can take long-pending issues seriously and find the right solution.

Since January 2024, MHADA Lokshahi Din has been held on the second Monday of every month in the auditorium of MHADA's headquarters in Bandra East. MHADA has appealed to as many people as possible to take part and have their complaints settled promptly. So far, 22 Lokshahi Din events have been held successfully under the chairmanship of Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjeev Jaiswal.

Under Lokshahi Din, people's petitions are discussed directly and openly in the presence of the officials concerned. Cases pending for years have been settled promptly, and people are getting simple, transparent and quick justice. People have come to believe that the initiative has made MHADA's administration more transparent, accountable and sensitive to citizens. Before every Lokshahi Din, Jaiswal also reviews the action officials have taken on cases from earlier editions. This is why Lokshahi Din is proving to be a strong link of trust between citizens and the administration.