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Special Abhaya Scheme 2025: Granting Freehold Status To Sindhi Refugee Colonies
On 30th July 2025[i], the Maharashtra Revenue Minister, Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, announced the implementation of the Special Abhay Scheme–2025, which had been inaugurated on 15th May 2025.[ii] Under this scheme, residential and commercial land in 30 colonies of the Sindhi community, formed by families displaced during the Partition in 1947, will be converted from leasehold to freehold tenure (Occupancy Class-I). The scheme is intended to regularise land leases and secure freehold ownership rights to the families of Sindhi refugees who migrated to India from West Pakistan in 1947.
This initiative will provide major concessions in land conversion charges to nearly 5 lakh Sindhi families settled in Maharashtra. The scheme, effective for one year (with a possibility of extension), is set to grant legal property rights to Sindhi families who have been in possession of or have registered their properties with a local self-government body as of December 31, 2024. The properties will be converted from leasehold to freehold upon payment of a concessional premium.
- Background
The scheme specifically targets Sindhi refugees who were allotted land and property in Maharashtra from a government-managed ‘compensation pool’ under the Displaced Persons (Compensation and Rehabilitation) Act, 1954. The original intent was to provide immediate shelter and enable economic self-reliance within the community. However, the land was allotted on a temporary leasehold basis, i.e., with restrictions on alienation, with the promise that ownership rights would be granted in due course. However, for decades, this assurance remained unfulfilled. Residents couldn’t sell, redevelop, mortgage, or transfer their property freely. The alternative was for them to convert the land to freehold by paying a conversion premium, but the high premium rates made it unaffordable for most.
- Key Benefits of the Scheme
Concessional Rates:
- For residential properties up to 1,500 sq. ft., the conversion charge is just 2.5% of the Ready Reckoner (RR) Rate.
- For commercial properties up to the same size, the rate is 5%.
- For properties larger than 1,500 sq. ft., these rates double: 5% for residential and 10% for commercial use.
- Who Is Eligible?
The scheme applies to Sindhi refugees (referred to as ‘Sindhi displaced persons residing in 30 notified settlements across Maharashtra’ in the government Gazette dated January 24, 1973) who have been in possession of or have registered their properties with a local self-government body as of December 31, 2024. Notably, Ulhasnagar in Thane district is excluded from this scheme.
Notified Colonies Covered Under the Scheme
- In Mumbai:
- Chembur Colony
- Thakkar Bappa Colony (Chembur)
- Wadia Trust Estate (Kurla)
- Koliwada Colony (Shiv)
- Mulund Colony
- Rest of Maharashtra:
- Thane – Kopri Colony
- Pune – Pimpri Colony
- Nashik Colony
- Nagpur – Khamla, Mekosobagh, Jaripatka Colonies
- Yavatmal – Wani and Vaidyanagar Colonies
- Amravati – Dastur Nagar Colony
- Akola – Mine Colony
- Kolhapur – Gandhinagar, Ahilyanagar Colonies
- Shrirampur Displaced Persons Colony
- Akot- Washim, Tusine Colonies
- Pachora,
- Amalner,
- Jalgaon City,
- Bhusawal Colonies
- Dhule – Dondai, Kumarnagar Colonies
- Nandurbar Colony
- Implementation Timeline
The Special Abhaya Scheme is part of the state’s broader 100-day action plan, which includes a dedicated drive to regularise land held by displaced communities. Properties in these colonies have already been designated as “compensation reserve assets,” paving the way for lease conversions under the new terms.
- Conclusion
The Special Abhaya Scheme – 2025 represents a significant step toward resolving land tenure issues faced by Sindhi refugees in Maharashtra. By offering substantial concessions and a clear path to freehold ownership, the state aims to provide long-term security to a community that has contributed immensely to its social and economic fabric.
Contributed by: Fox Mandal Real Estate Team, Mumbai & Pune.
References:
[i] https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-to-grant-legal-property-rights-to-5-lakh-sindhi-families-under-special-amnesty-scheme-2025
[ii] https://gr.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Upload/Government%20Resolutions/English/202505151750040719.pdf
