Curation Team
BHUBANESWAR: The general administration and public grievance (GA & PG) department on Friday announced new guidelines for assessing conversion fees on residential properties leased out by the department. The move aims to rationalise the fee structure and ensure compliance with building regulations.
As per the order, property owners who constructed buildings in accordance with approved plans will be charged a conversion fee of 3% of the benchmark market value (BMV).
The same rate will apply to properties with regularised deviations within permissible limits. However, the department has taken a firm stance on unauthorised constructions. “In case the deviation is beyond the permissible limit, conversion shall not be allowed. Conversion for such types of cases shall be entertained only after regularisation by the competent authority,” the order read.
The new guidelines require applicants seeking freehold rights to submit a certificate from either the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) or Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). This certificate must verify compliance with approved building plans or confirm that any deviation falls within acceptable limits.
“This order was issued as per the approval of the cabinet and the decision taken in the meeting on June 3 held under the chairmanship of the chief secretary, Odisha,” the order read. According to experts, the move is expected to bring clarity to the conversion process while encouraging adherence to building regulations in the state.
