M A I L B A G

Investors benefit from HUDA plots

HUDA’s decision to limit the extension period for building houses to seven years (including the initial stipulated period of two years) is welcome but only when it is implemented strictly. Otherwise the position of most of the HUDA estates uptill now is that most of the plots are lying unbuilt, thereby giving an indication that HUDA is deviating from its sole objective of providing housing to people. Rather, it is indulging in profiteering by not restricting the plot owners in doing business deals on HUDA plots.

Today, HUDA plots are applied for not by the real users but investors and real estate traders. If HUDA is really committed to providing systematically developed housing to the people, it should serve immediate strict notice to the owners of the unbuilt plots to initiate the construction process failing which their plots be resumed and reallotted to needy persons i.e. the one who undertake to construct the house/shop on resumed and reallotted plots immediately.

R.C. CHOPRA, Panipat

II

By reducing the time limit for construction from 15 years to 7 years, the prices of plots have only marginally decreased and are still not within the reach of a common person. Rather the decision has given another favour to property dealers and investors to make purchases and book profit after constructing minimum requirement.

The original allottees are at a disadvantage as they do not have ready money to construct even minimum requirement. HUDA should, therefore, revert to its original policy of giving 15 years’ time for construction so that original allottees may have time to arrange funds and should not sell their plots at the hands of investors and property dealers in haste.

Mrs RIMPAL CHADHA, Chandigarh

III

The reduction in construction period is not justified. The decision had come to the allottees as a bolt from the blue. In October 2006, the period was decreased to 15 years from 19 years as provided under regulation 17 and 18 of the allotment letters issued to the allottees.

It is not at all correct that most of the allottees are keeping the plots for trade/earning profits. Genuine cases are there. The government should, therefore, take pity on elderly/senior citizens like me and allow the status quo to continue at least for this category of persons who are passing through the last phase of their lives.

AMARNATH, Panipat

Toll tax exemption

This is in reference to the recent announcement of toll tax exemption to private vehicles of defence personnel in Himachal Pradesh. The entire defence community welcomes it.

Defence personnel are exempted from toll tax under the provisions of Indian Tolls (Army & Air Force) Act, 1901, but HP was the only state not following the law and toll tax was being charged from defence personnel by toll barriers in the state.

Major KAMAL KISHORE, Parwanoo

Badal’s U-turn

The Punjab Chief Minister has appointed 11 more Chief Parliamentary Secretaries.

He wants to oblige those MLAs who could not be included in ministry. Crore of rupees will be spent on the Parliamentary Secretaries. Mr Parkash Singh Badal raised a hue and cry when some Parliamentary Secretaries were appointed during the Amarinder regime. This is a shocking and unwarranted U-turn.

SATYA PARKASH SHARMA, Nawanshahr Dry leaves

Autumn comes and the leaves on the trees become dry. There are many trees in front of our houses. Both the parallel roads remain full of scattered leaves for days together. There is no proper arrangement for their removal. Our courtyards also fill up with dry leaves brought by the winds, despite our best efforts. The dry leaves have become quite a nuisance for us.

D.R. SHARDA, Chandigarh

Good education

The government talks of improving educational standards. But in MHR School, Bathinda (government aided), 22 out of 60 posts of teacher are lying vacant. Nearly 3,000 students are suffering. Can somebody spare a thought for their future?

SANJEEV KUMAR SINGLA, Bathinda