Chandigarh: Centre says no to conversion of industrial plots in to freehold

Dushyant Singh Pundir

Chandigarh, July 15

In a setback to city industrialists, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has turned down the UT Administration’s proposal for conversion of industrial/commercial plots from leasehold to freehold. In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court in the case, Estate Officer versus Charanjit Kaur, the Ministry stated that the proposal had been examined in detail and was not agreed to.

With regard to the amendment to the Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952, for revision of penalty to be imposed in cases of building violations and misuse of premises in Chandigarh, the proposal received from the UT Administration is under examination and consultation with the Department of Legal Affairs, the MHA submitted.

Accordingly, the MHA requested the Supreme Court to accept the submission on the issue of conversion of industrial/commercial plots from leasehold to freehold in Chandigarh and also requested to dispose of the matter.

“This action of the MHA has come as a shock. All through, the UT Administration as well as the MHA were in favour of conversion of industrial plots from leasehold to freehold in Chandigarh,”

said Naveen Manglani, vice-president, Chamber of Chandigarh Industries.

“When all states and even the Delhi Government has already come out with the conversion policy on change of industrial plots from leasehold to freehold, why is Chandigarh being singled out?” he asked. Leasehold properties are allowed occupation for a limited period, usually 99 years, with government agencies holding the ownership rights.

Betrayal of residents: Cong

Terming the stand taken by the Modi government as a betrayal of the residents of the city, HS Lucky, president of the city Congress, said the Congress stood with the owners of industrial, commercial and residential leasehold properties. He said the Congress government had brought the provision of conversion of leasehold properties to freehold in 1996.

Cong did nothing in 60 yrs: BJP

BJP media in charge, Sanjeev Rana said the Congress, which had been in power for over 60 years, had failed to resolve the issue.

8,072 units in city

There are 6,621 commercial and 1,451 industrial units awaiting conversion to freehold in the city. Leasehold properties are allowed occupation for a limited period, usually 99 years, with government agencies holding the ownership rights.

Setback for industrialists

This action of the MHA has come as a shock. All through, the UT Administration as well as the MHA were in favour of conversion of industrial plots from leasehold to freehold in Chandigarh,” said Naveen Manglani, vice-president, Chamber of Chandigarh Industries.