GMADA lets down allottees

Akash Ghai

Tribune News Service

Mohali, April 20

As many as 226 allottees of 256 square yard plots at IT City are upset over the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) for failing to hand over the possession of their properties. 

The allottees under the GMADA’s 750 residential plot scheme were promised possession by November 2017. However, they are still awaiting for the authority to hold draw of for numbering the properties, following which these will be handed over to them.

The allottees under the 256 square yard category were issued letters of intent (LOIs) in November 2016. 

“In the LOI, it was mentioned that the physical possession of the plot will be handed over to the allottee within a period of one year from the date of issuance of the letter. Almost two-and-a-half-years have passed since then, but we are yet to get possession of our properties,” said JS Bajaj, one of the allottees.

“The draw of lots for numbering of residential plots is yet to be held. Even development work at the site is yet to start,” added Bajaj. 

The allottees claimed that many of them had taken bank loans to buy these properties. “The delay in possesion is causing financial loss to such allottees,” they said.

Under the GMADA scheme, the allottees have 

to pay the full payment in 

six instalments till November 10 this year. 

As per sources, some allottees have stopped paying instalments to GMADA due to the delay in the project.

Adding insult to their injury, the allottees are being charged hefty amount as a penal interest for delay in paying instalments.

Bajaj claimed that GMADA should charge interest for the delay in payment only after offering possession of the property. 

“If possession is not given within the promised time frame, the GMADA authorities should postpone the due date of instalment accordingly,” said the allottees.

When contacted, Rajesh Dhiman, Additional Chief Administrator, said earlier, some environment clearances for the site were pending, which had delayed the project. 

“Now, we have procured the required clearances. We will hold draw of lots for numbering the plots soon. Tender for development works will also be floated soon,” said Dhiman.

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What was promised

• In November 2016, GMADA issued letters of intent (LOIs) to 226 allottees for plots measuring 256 square yards in IT City,  promising physical possession  within a year of   date of issuance of LOI
• Almost two-and-a-half-years have passed since then, but the allottees are still awaiting draw of lots for numbering the plots, after which these are to be handed over to them. 
• Development work at the site is yet to take off, say allottees

Allottees’ grouse

• The allottees claim that many of them took bank loans and the delay in possession is causing them financial losses
• Due to the delay in development of the project, some of them stopped paying instalments to GMADA. They are being charged a hefty amount as penal interest for delay in payment
• The allottees argue since GMADA failed to ensure possession within the time frame, it mustn’t ask for payment

Officialspeak

Some environment clearances for the site were pending, which delayed the project. Now, we have procured the clearances. We will hold draw of lots for numbering the plots soon. Tender for development works will also be floated soon. — Rajesh Dhiman, Additional Chief Administrator