Amnesty Scheme for Sindhi Refugees Extended by a Year The Maharashtra government has extended the "Special Amnesty Scheme-2025" by one year, aiming to regularize residential and commercial plots allotted to Sindhi refugees and convert them into freehold properties. The decision, announced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Eligible beneficiaries now have until May 15, 2027, to submit applications under the scheme, which was initially launched in May 2025. The initiative seeks to address the long-standing issue of conditional land allotments for Sindhi families displaced during the Partition of India. Under the scheme, violations of lease conditions on such plots can be regularized, allowing occupants to obtain full ownership rights. Officials highlighted that the extension was granted due to the strong response from citizens, with scrutiny of applications and supporting documents currently underway. The government emphasized that the move ensures no eligible beneficiary is deprived of benefits due to procedural delays. The extension applies to all notified areas across Maharashtra except Ulhasnagar in Thane district, which remains excluded from the current decision. Bawankule stated that the regularization of Sindhi refugee lands had remained unresolved for decades, requiring a practical and humanitarian approach. The scheme is expected to benefit thousands of Sindhi families residing in notified settlements across the state, many of whom have occupied properties for decades without formal ownership rights. The initiative also aims to streamline land records and reduce disputes related to conditional occupancy and transfer restrictions.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule #special_amnesty_scheme_2025 #sindhi_refugees
