ReRa launches complaints forum

Mumbai: MahaReRA has launched a new reconciliation forum to address complaints of both consumers and developers. Citizens can file an application for reconciliation online, post which hearings will be held after payment of Rs 1,000. The forum has members from the Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP); CREDAI (Council of Real Estate Development Association of India); MCHI (Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry), an umbrella body of promoters; and NAREDCO (National Real Estate Development Council). The forum will be operational from February 1.

Home buyers can create accounts on the MahaReRA website and make an application for reconciliation. The other party will be informed about this reconciliation and will be given a time span of seven days to respond. If the matter gets resolved, an agreement will be made by taking signatures of both parties. “If consumers are not happy with the decision of theforum, they can then approach MahaReRa,” said Vasant Prabhu, secretary, MahaReRa.

The Asian Age was the first to report about such a forum that would act as a means of alternate dispute resolution (ADR). Shirish Deshpande, chairman, MGP, said, "It is the first time in the country that an alternate channel has been formed to resolve disputes in an amicable way. If this succeeds, it will be a win-win situation for consumers."

There will be 10 conciliation benches set up in Mumbai and five in Pune. The benches are expected to start functioning from March 2018.

“We will have to prove ourselves. The conciliators should be able to gain trust and confidence among consumers. Only then will we be able to address and resolve more complaints. Our objective is that the projects should be completed,” said Niranjan Hiranandani, NAREDCO.