NAGPUR: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is preparing to submit a proposal to the state government to grant freehold status to 332 plots in the Shiv Nagar (Mirchi Bazaar) layout. This decision has sparked new political dynamics ahead of the civic elections, as plot holders from the remaining 20 NMC-owned layouts—over 1,300 beneficiaries citywide—are now advocating for similar relief, claiming favoritism and selective action by the administration.
The proposal, strongly advocated by Central Nagpur MLA Pravin Datke and endorsed by CM Devendra Fadnavis, aims to convert leasehold plots in Shiv Nagar into freehold. This comes after the government’s approval on March 20, 2025, to convert 153 plots in the Corporation Colony on North Ambazari Road to freehold, setting a precedent.
A senior official from the estate department confirmed, “The NMC is preparing to send the proposal for freehold status in Shiv Nagar to the state government soon.”
In contrast to Shiv Nagar and Corporation Colony, residents in other layouts such as New Colony, New Basti, Old Dharampeth, and Mahal-Itwari have not received any updates regarding similar freehold benefits from the NMC or state government.
As civic elections approach, opposition leaders allege that the ruling BJP is hastily advancing proposals in stronghold areas while neglecting beneficiaries in other regions. Civic activists caution that the preferential treatment for Shiv Nagar could lead to citywide protests.
According to official sources, NMC manages 21 layouts with 1,680 leasehold plots, many of which were allocated under slum clearance and rehabilitation programs. Over the years, numerous property holders have paid land values, premiums, development fees, or regular lease rents but remain bound to leasehold terms.
The NMC’s proposal asserts that many plot holders in Shiv Nagar have already made substantial land payments, reinforcing their claim for freehold conversion. However, residents from other layouts argue they, too, have met similar financial commitments and deserve equal treatment.
Political analysts predict that this issue may emerge as a significant topic in the upcoming elections, especially in the North, Central, and South Nagpur areas, where numerous NMC layouts are located. With thousands of families affected, the demand for a uniform freehold policy is likely to escalate, placing pressure on both the state government and the municipal administration.
Senior civic officials indicated that instead of converting the plots to freehold, the NMC should impose ready reckoner rates on the leaseholders.
If the government approves the Shiv Nagar proposal, it may open the floodgates for similar freehold requests across the city, transforming this topic into a central debate in the upcoming civic elections.
