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PUNE: Ready Reckoner rates in the state are likely to become more realistic with the GIS mapping of land parcels across the state nearing completion.
Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) has completed Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping all rural areas and 50% of urban regions and influential value zones in the state. Registration officials TOI spoke to said the data could be used for assessing the RR rates for the next year.
“Rural mapping has been completed in the state. We estimate that 50% of the work in urban and urban-influence areas is done. We should be able to use this data in deciding the RR rates, as it gives a clear idea of the area,” said a senior official from the registration department.
Influence areas are localities areas in the vicinity of a municipal corporation or council and lie in the influence zone. RR rate is a standard fixed by state govt, below which a property transaction cannot occur. Stamp duty is calculated on RR rates or the actual value of the transaction, whichever is higher.
The RR rates for “value zones” are currently compiled based on the average of market rates, local enquiries, documents registered with the department, information from media reports, real estate exhibitions, and market intelligence.
“Since it is a subjective system throwing up ballpark (rough numerical estimate) figures, the mapping would help give a clearer picture,” an IGR official said. The matter was also discussed at a meeting before the ongoing assembly session, added the official.
Many times, a rural area that did not see much construction some 10 years back is now witnessing a lot of real estate constructions and property transactions following some mega infrastructure project announced by state govt. “GIS mapping will give a clear picture of the area at the click of a mouse not just for the evaluators but also the citizens,” the official said.
The GIS data will be integrated with the registration website for better assessment of value zones. Officials emphasised this would prevent random rate assignments. “Geospatial technology will help us estimate RR value zones based on the correct geographic location of properties in a scientific way,” a senior official said.
The system will process GIS data from village cadastral maps, gaothan areas, highways, and population figures to determine the Annual Statement of Rates (ASR) or RR rates. RR rates, which set minimum property values for an area, have remained unchanged in the state since 2022.
Consumer activist S Joshi said citizens have been for long demaging realistic rates. “We also had raised a similar demand with the registration department for the last several years. A geoportal providing details RR rates of land and flat prices will definitely help all stakeholders.”
