Despite 2011 housing scam, officials are positive that the upgraded version will serve its purpose, but prospective applicants remain sceptical
While the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is gearing up for the upcoming joint lottery of 3,074 houses of Mumbai and Konkan board in the month of May, those planning to apply fear that yet another scam could break out during the actual allocation.
The reason behind the scepticism is that the developmental body would be using the same software which it did last year.
ADVERTISEMENT
All taken care ofu00a0Bhausaheb Dangde, chief officer for MHADA’s Mumbai board, assured, “Although we will be using the same software for this year’s lottery, we have made certain improvements in it, so that chances of making mistakes are eliminated.”
‘We doubt it’
Despite claims from MHADA officials that nothing will mar this year’s allocation process, applicants have their doubts.
Vipul Mane (33), a Malad resident, who plans to apply for a house in the higher income group (HIG) category, said, “Last time too, MHADA had made tall claims that the software was foolproof. But after the draw was conducted, it came to fore that with the help of agents, certain bogus applications were made by many people. If the system and the software were up to the mark, then how did the scam happen? If MHADA is still going to use the same software after making a few changes, we cannot rule out the possibility of another controversy.”
Rakesh Sharma (28), who will be applying for a house in the middle income group (MIG) category, said, “MHADA should see to it that the
software is changed. If the same software is used, then it will only send a wrong message to the applicants.”u00a0
2011 housing scam
On February 22, Kherwadi police officials registered an FIR against 17 property agents and 324 winners, for allegedly trying to cheat the housing board of 425 flats in the 2011 housing lottery by providing fake documents. The case has been registered under Section 420 of the IPC, a non-bailable offence, for cheating the housing authority.
u00a0
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
