Ready Reckoner Rates to be Determined Considering Local Conditions; Rumors of 10-15% Increase Baseless – Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule

Legislative Council Special Discussion

Mumbai : A statewide survey is currently being conducted regarding Ready Reckoner (RR) rates. While rates have increased in some areas over the past few years, they have remained unchanged in others. No rate hikes were implemented for 2023-24 and 2024-25. However, media reports speculating a 10-15% increase are completely baseless, stated Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule in the Legislative Council.

Legislative Council members Sunil Shinde, Adv. Anil Parab, and Sachin Ahir had raised concerns regarding stamp duty on property transactions.

Minister Bawankule clarified that the government has no intention of implementing sudden rate hikes in any part of the state. The RR rates are determined based on local conditions, development rates, and demand-supply dynamics. Each district has a committee led by the District Collector, which sets rates in consultation with local representatives and experts. In some cases, the government may even reduce rates if necessary, he added.

Mumbai has varied real estate categories, including high-rise buildings, SRA projects, and slum rehabilitation schemes, leading to distinct value zones for different areas. While determining RR rates, care will be taken to ensure that lower-income and middle-class citizens are not unfairly affected, assured Minister Bawankule.

The state government is actively considering public feedback and grievances, with a review meeting held on January 9, 2025. He also encouraged citizens to submit any further suggestions before April 1, 2025. The government will not impose any unjustified hikes and may even consider rate reductions where necessary, he reiterated.

Strict Action Against Rice Mill Scam in Gadchiroli – Minister of State Yogesh Kadam

Mumbai : Several rice mill operators in Gadchiroli have been found guilty of defrauding the government, and strict action will be taken against them, declared Minister of State Yogesh Kadam in the Legislative Council.

Responding to a special discussion, Minister Kadam stated that penal action has already been initiated against fraudulent rice mill operators, with some facing fines of ₹2 crore. However, as the fines remain unpaid, stricter measures will be enforced.

If evidence of organized crime is found in these cases, the government will consider taking action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), he added.

There have also been complaints regarding the quality of rice distributed to poor and needy families. Minister Kadam assured that no negligence will be tolerated, and strict action will be taken against the guilty, regardless of political affiliations.

A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be convened soon to discuss further actions on these issues, he concluded.

Legislative Council members Abhijit Wanjar, Adv. Anil Parab, Parinay Phuke, Bhai Jagtap, and Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve participated in the discussion.