Major relief on cards for property owners

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 12

The UT Administration is all set to recommend reduction in misuse charges for building violations to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Sources said the administration had prepared a final proposal after examining the objections and suggestions it received on the draft to amend the Capital of Punjab Development Act, 1952.

The administration had sought objections from the traders and owners of the properties on the draft proposal for the amendment in the Act issued in January 2019. The administration had invited objections and suggestions from the general public in 30 days.

The process to reduce the charges started on the directions of the MHA, which asked the administration to send the proposal after seeking public views. In the draft, the administration had proposed to charge 0.75 per cent of the collector rate per square yard per month in case of misuse/violation of the building.

Sources said the administration had received around 15 representations over the issue. Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, Industries Association, Chandigarh, Chambers of the Chandigarh Industries and FOSWAC had submitted its suggestions and demanded to reduce the charges further. Sources said after examining their views the final note had been prepared. According to the final note, it has been proposed to reduce the charges further.

It has been proposed to fix 0.50 per cent of collector rates for misuse and 0.25 per cent for violations of buildings per month for the area.

An official of the administration said the recommendations would be placed before UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore for approval. Once approved, it will be sent to the Ministry of the Home.

The estate office has increased the penalties for misuse and violations in 2007 from Rs 20 to Rs 500 sq feet per month for the area being misused by the occupier in the Estate Office Rules, 2007. The administration started sending notices under the new rules. This created panic among the property owners as penalties were in crores in many cases. The decision has been opposed by traders, industrialists and residents since then.

UT Administrator to approve proposal

• It has been proposed to fix 0.50 per cent of collector rates for misuse and 0.25 per cent for violation of buildings per month for the area. 
• An official of the administration said the recommendations would be placed before UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore for approval. Once approved, it will be sent to the Ministry of the Home.