‘The main advantages are creation of employment’

Q: Even after the development of Gurgaon and surrounding areas in Delhi NCR region, entrepreneurs are shifting to industrial and real estate hubs of neighbouring Rajasthan, such as Bhiwadi and Neemrana industrial areas. What is the reason for this trend?

The prime reason is the availability of land at much cheaper prices than in Gurgaon and other parts of NCR. Both these township also happen to be strategically located between Delhi and Jaipur and enjoy excellent road connectivity. These factors, coupled with 24x7 availability of power, peaceful labour environment and industry-friendly government policies, have helped these cities emerge as industrial hubs. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial and Freight Corridor also opens a plethora of opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses.

Interest shown by Japanese and Korean companies to set up major manufacturing units and facilities in Japanese and Korean Zones in Neemrana has boosted the confidence of people wanting to invest in Rajasthan. With companies like Honda setting up their unit in Bhiwadi, the local economy has received a major boost and a whole lot of ancillary units have come up in the vicinity.

This sudden increase in industrial activity has also led to a spurt in the demand for residential housing and commercial projects. The area has witnessed the launch of a lot of big residential projects by recognised builders, which have come up to cater to the needs of the growing population. The Rajasthan government has been aggressively wooing investments and has provided investors the right kind of environment.

The main advantages are creation of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the people of Rajasthan and overall development of the area in terms of physical infrastructure, power, health, education and housing. However, environmental pollution is one of the major challenges faced by any industrial township and these two cities can’t be any exception to this.

Almost all major automobile manufacturers have a strong presence in this area. You have players like Maruti, Honda, Suzuki, which have set up their plants here. Manufacturing activity in automobile sector is a viable option. With a rapid increase in industrial activity, there has been a big influx and movement of people, especially those who are employed with companies in this area. This has led to an unprecedented increase in demand for housing and commercial spaces.

Real estate players have swiftly moved in to cater to this need and major plotted and group housing project have come up in Neemrana and Bhiwadi. There is still a huge potential for growth in this sector. Besides, IT, ITES and service sector provide excellent opportunities to entrepreneurs.

Significantly, Rajasthan is a State rich in natural resources and offers opportunity in mineral based manufacturing of cement, ceramic and glass.

Q: During your long experience of dealing with the Industries Departments of different northern States, which State do you find more industry-friendly in terms of clearance system and procedure?

Rajasthan and Haryana have streamlined their statutory approval process and are now working on a single window clearance system for all project and industry-related approval. The Rajasthan government has set up organisations like Bureau of Investment Promotion, District Industries Centres and Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) to promote investments and provide smooth mechanisms for investments in the State.

Resource: http://www.thehindu.com

Yamuna Authority is offering 900 plots in Sector 22D. A plot can now be yours for just Rs 17.04 lakh

Attempting to inject life in the recession-hit market, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) will be launching a residential plot scheme on August 3, 2015, offering 900 plots of 120 sq metre and 162 sq m, priced at Rs 17.04 lakh and Rs 23 lakh, respectively in the prime location of Sector 22D. This is for the first time that YEIDA is offering small, low-priced plots. In schemes launched in 2009 in sectors 18 and 20, 21,000 plots of 300 sq m each were allotted.

“We are expecting a huge response and have decided to give preference to those who can pay the total cost of the plot in 60 days from the date of allotment. The second preference will be given to those who will pay 50% within 60 days from the date of allotment and the remaining 50% in two installments within a year with 12% rate of interest. Finally, preference will also be given to those who pay 30% within 60 days from the date of allotment and the rest of the amount in eight equal installments in four years with 12% rate of interest, says Arun Vir Singh, additional CEO, YEIDA.
Singh says the decision to launch this scheme has been taken keeping in mind the aspirations of the middle and lower income groups to own plots and build homes of their choice.

Development of areas along the Expressway has been envisaged to cater both to the needs of people preferring high-end, luxury accommodation and those looking for budget and affordable housing. The scheme is well-timed as market sentiments are not very strong and it can attract end-users and not investors and speculators.

Many property consultants say such affordable schemes should be launched to make Yamuna Expressway a preferred destination for budget housing. “Today, the USP of Yamuna Expressway is the wide variety of residential options at an affordable range. The prices of apartments start from Rs 2,800 per sq ft. Besides this, YEIDA has constructed around 7,500 flats in Sector 22D for the lower and middle income groups. The authority will start delivery from January 1, 2016. These are affordable, too, as a one BHK unit costs around Rs 10.8 lakh and a two BHK costs Rs 16 lakh. YEIDA’s plots cost Rs 14,200 per sq m, which is low when compared to realty prices in neighbouring areas such as Greater Noida. This is the only area which is still highly affordable. “Once the market recovers, prices here will appreciate very fast,” says Rakesh Sharma from Sri Niwas Properties, a local property agent.

Despite its promising realty profile, Yamuna Expressway has been hit adversely by frequent farmers’ protests and disputes related to land acquisitions. Due to continuous litigation, development work has been seriously hampered over a period of time. When asked how YEIDA can guarantee that possession will be given on time, Singh says, “Things have changed a lot since the hon’ble Supreme Court delivered its verdict in the Noida Extension matter and awarded 64% additional compensation to farmers. We have implemented the same formula here and asked the farmers that if they withdraw their petitions, the government will pay the additional compensation immediately. A lot of farmers have already accepted the formula and withdrawn their petitions. We hope that remaining farmers will also follow the suit. Slowly and gradually development work is getting back on track.”

About the Sector 22D plot scheme, where the YEIDA scheme has been implemented, Singh assures all homebuyers that there is not a single acquisition issue pending in any court. This sector is free from all litigation, land has been acquired and is in the Authority’s possession. “We can hand over possession within a few months of allotment of plots,” he adds.
Local property brokers and even allottees of YEIDA’s previous residential schemes agree that the new scheme will be better than all other earlier schemes because the Authority has taken care of land acquisition related issues in a better manner.

Safal Suri, president, Yamuna Expressway Residential Plot Owners’ Welfare Association, an organisation of hundreds of plot owners in sectors 18 and 20, says “The present scheme is better than the ones launched earlier as now the Authority first resolved the land compensation matter with farmers and then launched it. However, I feel that for overall development of the area, all compensation matters need to be resolved.”

The one question needed to be asked about the scheme, however is: Why would someone apply for a plot at the cost of Rs 14,200 per sq m under the new residential scheme in Sector 22D when plots are available at Rs 9,000 per sq m for resale in the old YEIDA schemes in sectors 18 and 20? YEIDA’s response is that the plots in the new scheme are smaller in size while in sectors 18 and 20 these are bigger and involve more costs.

“The per square metre cost of bigger plots is cheaper, but adding up all costs make them expensive. In sectors 18 and 20, the minimum plot size is 300 sq m while in Sector 22D, the maximum size is 162 sq m. Further, the USP of the new scheme is that possession of plots will be handed over in a few months. Another reason why plots seem cheaper in sectors 18 and 20 is that the owners have yet to pay the 64% additional compensation. Once that’s done there won’t be any difference in the price of plots in the two schemes,” says Singh.

Resource: http://www.hindustantimes.com

YEIDA and Greater Noida launch three schemes

REATER NOIDA: Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) on Friday have launched three schemes in their respective areas. On offer are plots in residential, industrial, institutional and mixed land use categories. Also available are shops and kiosks on an open-ended scheme in Greater Noida.

Starting Friday, YEIDA has put on offer 1850 residential plots of sizes varying from 120 meters to 200 meters. These plots will be allotted through draw of lots to prospective allottees. As per officials, the aim is towards aiding development in the YEIDA area. "On offer are plots available for setting up residential homes," said Arun Vir Singh, CEO, YEIDA.

"Plots under both the schemes will be allotted on a lottery basis," said Singh. "We have reserved about 56 hectares of land for the plots," he said. This land is located in Ghanori village, which is on the border of Greater Noida and YEIDA area. This land also abuts a six-lane, 130-meter arterial road connecting Noida, Greater Noida, Delhi and Ghaziabad. This e-way is also expected to extend by another 41 km from Greater Noida to Jewar. "While the 120 square meter plots number 1200, the 162 meter plots are 300 in number. The 200 square meter plots total 350," he said.

The reserve price for residential plots, which are located in YEIDA's sector 17 has been fixed at Rs 15, 620 per square meter. This means that a 120 meter plot would come at a cost of Rs 18.74 lakhs and a 162 meter plot would cost a home buyer about Rs 25.30 lakhs. A 200 meter plot will come at a cost of Rs 31.24 lakhs. YEIDA has fixed the Floor Area Ratio for residential area at 1.8 and ground coverage will be 75%.

Officials further said that YEIDA's mixed land use scheme, which will open for participation on January 4, will allow development of integrated industrial, institutional or a recreational area on the plots. The minimum area to be developed has been fixed at 10 acres. The core activity— industrial, institutional or recreational area—will be allowed on 75 percent of the total plot size. Support facilities and utilities will total 5 percent of the area, while commercial and residential will total 8 and 12 percent, respectively. The scheme is open-ended. Allotments will be made on first come first basis and on the basis of interviews. "We have earmarked about 250 acres of land for these plots," Singh said.

Meanwhile, Greater Noida Authority has also announced scheme for allotment of leftover/cancelled plots in its area. Totalling about 169 residential plots in number, while the industrial, institutional, shops and kiosks will be allotted via an open-ended scheme, the residential plots will be allotted on single bid system, submissions for which will open on February 2.

Resource: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Property Dealers in Gurgaon Announce Fresh Bookings in Vatika India Next Floors, Gurgaon

Vatika Real Estate announces booking opportunities in the Vatika India Next Floors integrated township, which consists of high-rise apartments and independent floors.

Gurgaon, Haryana -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/14/2016 -- Vatika Real Estate brings several residential as well as commercial projects in Gurgaon for investors and NRIs to enjoy world class living standards and get the best value for their investment. The Vatika property dealers have several high-end properties in their portfolio for their clients to gain significantly from the burgeoning Indian real estate sector.

The property dealers announce the availability of residential plots, apartments and independent floors in the prestigious real estate project, vatika india next floors gurgaon. The project is spread across Sectors 82, 82A, 83, 84 and 85, with an excellent infrastructure and amenities for a modern lifestyle. With its unique location and connectivity with the NH 8 and the Dwarka Expressway, this model city is easily approachable from the different parts of Delhi & NCR and makes it an ideal habitat for the working class, with their offices located in different parts of the region. The project has several advantageous features, and now one can book a property there through Vatika Real Estate.

The property dealers in palam vihar gurgaon have several other residential properties for people to choose for their own living purpose or as a lucrative investment option. They have Ansals PalamVihar Gurgaon in their bouquet that brings both residential as well as commercial spaces for the investors. Strategically located close to the South Delhi, the project enjoys a proximity to the big corporate houses and residential bungalows. That is why it brings a very good option for a commercial investment and Vatika Real Estate can provide all the necessary assistance for people to invest in the project.

Another great investment lies in the Ansal Sushant Lok -1, 2, 3 in Gurgaon. As a well-established property dealers in sushant lok gurgaon, Vatika Real Estate brings the opportunity of sell, purchase or rent properties in this project. All three Sushant Lok projects have well-developed infrastructure with an ample green space for people to breathe fresh air and lead a serene life amidst natural surroundings. The projects have markets, schools, healthcare facilities and all other amenities in the close proximity. Anyone interested in booking a property in Sushant Lok or in any of the above projects can visit the website http://vatikarealestate.com.

About Vatika Real Estate
Vatika Real Estate is the leader in retail and personal real estate ownership. They provide professional services for buying, selling, leasing and renting of commercial, industrial, institutional, retail and residential properties. They can also provide assistance in documentation, investment advisory function and property valuation.

Resource: http://www.digitaljournal.com

Highway to development is now bane of Manesar

Manesar, an industrial township, which boasts of industries, commercial spaces and many new residential societies, was supposed to benefit from Gurgaon’s growth. Also, the presence of National Highway-8 near it had raised hopes of industrialists when the township was planned by the Haryana government.

But in the past five years, a large number of manufacturing units in the township have either closed or shifted to other states. Industrialists say this happened because of some government decisions and frequent jams at the Kherki Daula toll plaza, which made business non-viable in Manesar.

Several industrial units have shifted from Manesar to states such as Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

Colonel (Retired) AK Chawla, who has a manufacturing unit in Manesar since 2004, said there are multiple problems at the Industrial Model Township in Manesar. And the Kherki Daula toll plaza adds to the chaos, he said.

“When I wanted to expand my business and set up a second unit, I preferred Rajasthan. Many others like me have shifted elsewhere because no one wants to waste time being stuck in jams at the toll plaza twice a day,” Chawla said.

He said the Haryana government’s decision to ask plot owners to pay more for compensating farmers whose land has been acquired has also put extra burden on industrialists.

Experts say the chaos at the toll plaza is the reason that Manesar, which was expected to attract IT companies in NCR towns, failed to do so.

“The toll adds to the cost of a company and IT firms found Manesar costlier because they will have to reimburse their employees for the toll,” said Nimish Arora, CEO, Cyberwalk IT Park.

The high transport cost and lack of good infrastructure in Manesar are also the reasons for companies to shun Manesar.

Around 30 lakh sq foot of commercial and office space has been built in Manesar, but only 5 lakh sq foot is occupied. Arora said investments worth Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 crore are yielding no returns, said Arora.

Also, there are very few accommodations for industrial workers in Manesar. This forces most of the workers to either live in villages like Kasan and Manesar or live in Gurgaon and travel to Manesar every day.

The Kherki Daula toll plaza has also hit the real estate projects along the Gurgaon Expressway, particularly those in sectors 71 to 80 and 81 to 95 in Gurgaon.

Around 100 projects of private developers are not getting a good response from buyers because the area is not well connected. The toll plaza is another reason why people do not want to shift there.

“We take prospective buyers to apartments and other sites beyond Kherki Daula. They get impressed by the infrastructure but change their mind because of the toll plaza,” said Sanjay Sharma, a real estate consultant.

People are not buying houses there because of the steep toll and heavy congestions at the plaza.

Investors are also apprehensive about any appreciation in the rates of property in this area because of delay in projects such as the Southern Peripheral Road.

Lack of interest among buyers has led to a situation where there are not many takers for houses in New Gurgaon, particularly along the expressway beyond Kherki Daula.

“Selling property in areas near the toll plaza and Manesar has become very difficult. People ask about connectivity and emergency services and change their mind,” said Kanwaljeet Singh, senior vice-president, Bestech.

Office bearers of the Manesar Industries Welfare Association (MIWA) said they have met chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and other government officials for a resolution of the issues related to the toll plaza, but no action has been taken so far.

“Industrialists, workers and office goers need an easy access to workplace. We cannot wait at the toll plaza for hours. It is a serious issue and we want the government to intervene and solve it,” said Manomohan Gaind of MIWA.

Like Manesar, the industrial township of Bawal was also touted as a logistics hub by the state government. But it has also failed to take off.

In the recent Happening Haryana Summit, industrialist Pawal Munjal had highlighted that jams on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and NH8 how it is affecting industrial development and investment in the region.

Haryana public works department minister Rao Narbir Singh admitted that both Manesar and Bawal industrial areas suffer because of jams at Kherki Daula.

Resource: http://www.hindustantimes.com

A story of DHA plots sale

ISLAMABAD: Former and current heads of the DHA Karachi have rubbished allegations of Transparency International Pakistan regarding alleged foul play in conversion of plots.

Former Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General (R) Sajjad Ghani, while talking to The News on Monday, stated that nature of 225 residential plots situated on Main Beach Avenue DHA Phase-VIII was changed into commercial plots after his retirement and nothing like that was done during his tenure as Corps Commander.

He told The News that the Defence Housing Authority sold 225 residential plots measuring 300 square yards at the price of Rs20 million from October 2014 to first quarter of 2015. On April 10, 2015, the executive board of the authority gave approval of these plots’ conversion which were sold at the price of Rs220 million each that resulted in a colossal loss of allegedly Rs45 billion to DHA, a body constituted under an act of the Parliament.

Brigadier Zubair Ahmed, the DHA Karachi administrator confirmed that 225 residential plots were converted into commercial plots during the month of April 2015. He, however, said there is no illegality in conversion as the Executive Board of the DHA is fully empowered to change the nature of the plots.

“The Executive Board is fully authorised to change the land utilisation and this is up to the discretion of the board to change a residential land into commercial one and this has happened not for the first time but it happened in past as well as there is no illegality in this. This particular area of DHA Phase-VIII i.e. Beach Avenue do not come under the jurisdiction of Cantonment Board, therefore there was no need of getting approval of Cantt Board for changing the nature of these plots,” commented Brigadier Zubair Ahmed.

When asked about the loss occurred to the DHA after changing the nature of the land from residential into commercial, Brigadier Zubair said the DHA has to bear no loss in conversion of the nature of the plots as the authority got additional charges and commercialisation fees from the buyers of these plots; therefore, there is no question of loss to DHA.

To a question about the beneficiaries of some of the DHA office bearers who bought these plots when they were residential, Brigadier Zubair said he can guarantee that the whole process of policy making regarding changing the nature of land utilisation was transparent and the decision was taken within one day so that people could not take any undue benefit from this policy or exploit it.

“I can guarantee you that there was no such intention in taking this policy decision. The executive board took this decision due to shortage of funds and later the authority built roads with this money. On one Friday morning the DHA’s Executive Board took up the issue and gave approval of changing nature of these plots and by the same evening it was implemented so that no one could exploit this policy.

Asked whether any inquiry in the same case of converting 225 residential plots into commercial plots or about plot transfer from Lahore to Karachi was pending against him, Gen (R) Sajjad Ghani categorically denied any inquiry against him in any case.

“I am not aware of the issue of converting 225 residential plots into commercial as I was retired before this. As far as I know this never happened in my tenure as Corps Commander Karachi; therefore it is better to ask from DHA,” commented Gen (R) Sajjad Ghani.

Ghani was retired from his post as Corps Commander Karachi on October 01, 2014 whereas the plots were sold as residential after October and were converted as commercial in April 2015.

“As a Corps Commander I did not have any discretionary powers to transfer my plot from one city to other. This decision was taken relevant authority as all such kind of decisions are always taken relevant authority. Therefore I am not responsible of transferring my plot from Lahore to Karachi,” he commented.

The Transparency International Pakistan has written a letter to Chairman NAB on April 07, 2016 to examine this issue and take action against those responsible of this alleged illegality.

“DHA in 2015 illegally converted 225 residential plots on main Beach Avenue, Phase VIII, into Commercial Plots. Many DHA officers are reported to have purchased many of the 300 syds residential plots at around Rs20 million prior to DHA illegally declaring these plots as Commercial. The prices of these plots have risen to Rs220 million each,” the letter says.

According to this letter, this change of land use is illegal and is against the Supreme Court of Pakistan order, as the authority of conversion of the land use rests only with Cantonment Board under Section 184 and 185 of the Cantonment Act 1924.

The letter further says, “Many DHA officers are reported to have purchased many of the 300 syds residential plots at around Rs 20 million prior to DHA illegally declaring these plots as Commercial, The prices of these plots has risen to Rs 220 million each. One such plot reportedly purchased by some DHA officer in his wife's name in October 20 14 is 300 syd plot No 185-E of Ms. Shaban. Owner of one such Plot 223-E was informed by DHA on 10.4.2015 about the change of status from residential to commercial”.

Resource: https://www.geo.tv

Haryana Housing Board: BPL flat allottees slapped with Rs 29-cr penal interest liability

The Haryana Housing Board has slapped 3,109 eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) flat allottes with a penal interest amounting to Rs 29 crore for no fault of theirs. The penalty has been imposed after the allotment of flats got delayed by two years due to a court case alleging illegal beneficiaries in the scheme.

The aggrieved beneficiaries have questioned the Board’s move of penalising them with the interest liability of around Rs 95,000 each despite being eligible and making payment of two installments in time. The penalty means that the prices of the flats will now escalate further.

A BPL beneficiary of a one-bed room flat on the first floor in Kurukshetra housing project, for instance, was issued an allotment letter on May 6, 2013 that the flat would cost him Rs 3,23,200.

Since the beneficiary had deposited an amount of Rs 74,000 in two installments earlier as the registration fee and the required amount after draw of lots, he was asked to deposit Rs 95,561 within 30 days and take possession of the flat. The beneficiary was to pay rest of the amount in monthly installments of Rs 1,487 over a period of 20 years.

Meanwhile, a petition was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging that flats were alloted to ineligible persons. The court after observing that the Housing Board lacks clear-cut policy stayed the allotment process. The court later vacated the stay on July 28, 2015. But the Kurukshetra Estate Manager issued revised allotment letter to the beneficiary on March 21 this year directing him to deposit Rs 1,85,940, including Rs 94,696 as “interest liability due to non-payment (38 months),” within 30 days. The letter further reads, “failing which allotment will be cancelled after forfeited (sic) 50 per cent of allotment money.” The flat will now cost the “BPL allottee” Rs. 6.19 lakh.

An allottee, who did not want to be identified, said, “When we went to Kurukshetra Estate Manager in 2013, he said we will not be handed over the possession till the case is pending and said it is your will if you want to deposit the money or not .”

Housing Board’s Chief Administrator Arun Kumar Gupta said, “I understand that it becomes uneconomical for the BPL class. I will check it.”

At the same time, he reasoned, “Housing Board is not a profit-making organisation and somebody has to pay for the delay due to case pendency. Either the government pays the Board or it is recovered from the allottees.”

Other Housing Board officials agree that the penal interest has been levied unreasonably on the allottees without their fault and they might find it difficult to get possession. “It is irrational. These are flats for BPL and not for creamy class. But we have to follow instructions from the head office,” said SK Chauhan, Estate Manager, Kurukshetra.



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Written by Sanjeev Verma | Chandigarh | Published:April 30, 2016 12:48 pm
Haryana Housing Board, haryana bpl, haryana bpl housing, haryana housing board bpl allocation, haryana news, india news A BPL beneficiary of a one-bed room flat on the first floor in Kurukshetra housing project, for instance, was issued an allotment letter on May 6, 2013 that the flat would cost him Rs 3,23,200.

The Haryana Housing Board has slapped 3,109 eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) flat allottes with a penal interest amounting to Rs 29 crore for no fault of theirs. The penalty has been imposed after the allotment of flats got delayed by two years due to a court case alleging illegal beneficiaries in the scheme.

The aggrieved beneficiaries have questioned the Board’s move of penalising them with the interest liability of around Rs 95,000 each despite being eligible and making payment of two installments in time. The penalty means that the prices of the flats will now escalate further.

A BPL beneficiary of a one-bed room flat on the first floor in Kurukshetra housing project, for instance, was issued an allotment letter on May 6, 2013 that the flat would cost him Rs 3,23,200.

Since the beneficiary had deposited an amount of Rs 74,000 in two installments earlier as the registration fee and the required amount after draw of lots, he was asked to deposit Rs 95,561 within 30 days and take possession of the flat. The beneficiary was to pay rest of the amount in monthly installments of Rs 1,487 over a period of 20 years.

Meanwhile, a petition was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging that flats were alloted to ineligible persons. The court after observing that the Housing Board lacks clear-cut policy stayed the allotment process. The court later vacated the stay on July 28, 2015. But the Kurukshetra Estate Manager issued revised allotment letter to the beneficiary on March 21 this year directing him to deposit Rs 1,85,940, including Rs 94,696 as “interest liability due to non-payment (38 months),” within 30 days. The letter further reads, “failing which allotment will be cancelled after forfeited (sic) 50 per cent of allotment money.” The flat will now cost the “BPL allottee” Rs. 6.19 lakh.

An allottee, who did not want to be identified, said, “When we went to Kurukshetra Estate Manager in 2013, he said we will not be handed over the possession till the case is pending and said it is your will if you want to deposit the money or not .”

Housing Board’s Chief Administrator Arun Kumar Gupta said, “I understand that it becomes uneconomical for the BPL class. I will check it.”

At the same time, he reasoned, “Housing Board is not a profit-making organisation and somebody has to pay for the delay due to case pendency. Either the government pays the Board or it is recovered from the allottees.”

Other Housing Board officials agree that the penal interest has been levied unreasonably on the allottees without their fault and they might find it difficult to get possession. “It is irrational. These are flats for BPL and not for creamy class. But we have to follow instructions from the head office,” said SK Chauhan, Estate Manager, Kurukshetra.

Housing Board records reveal that except 531 flats in Kurukshetra, 405 in Yamuna Nagar and 55 in Amravati which were completed in 2013, completion report of 10 such projects for BPL class came earlier this year but beneficiaries of these flats have also been slapped the penal interest from a back date. Housing Board headquarter in Panchkula has recently sent files to 13 Estate Managers at various stations for allotment of 3,109 BPL flats adding penal rent liability . These are Dharuhera, Karnal, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Amravati, Narwana, Kurukshetra, Yamuna Nagar, Sonepat, Panipat, Ratia and Jhajjar.

Resource:

    Comments

Written by Sanjeev Verma | Chandigarh | Published:April 30, 2016 12:48 pm
Haryana Housing Board, haryana bpl, haryana bpl housing, haryana housing board bpl allocation, haryana news, india news A BPL beneficiary of a one-bed room flat on the first floor in Kurukshetra housing project, for instance, was issued an allotment letter on May 6, 2013 that the flat would cost him Rs 3,23,200.

The Haryana Housing Board has slapped 3,109 eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) flat allottes with a penal interest amounting to Rs 29 crore for no fault of theirs. The penalty has been imposed after the allotment of flats got delayed by two years due to a court case alleging illegal beneficiaries in the scheme.

The aggrieved beneficiaries have questioned the Board’s move of penalising them with the interest liability of around Rs 95,000 each despite being eligible and making payment of two installments in time. The penalty means that the prices of the flats will now escalate further.

A BPL beneficiary of a one-bed room flat on the first floor in Kurukshetra housing project, for instance, was issued an allotment letter on May 6, 2013 that the flat would cost him Rs 3,23,200.

Since the beneficiary had deposited an amount of Rs 74,000 in two installments earlier as the registration fee and the required amount after draw of lots, he was asked to deposit Rs 95,561 within 30 days and take possession of the flat. The beneficiary was to pay rest of the amount in monthly installments of Rs 1,487 over a period of 20 years.

Meanwhile, a petition was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging that flats were alloted to ineligible persons. The court after observing that the Housing Board lacks clear-cut policy stayed the allotment process. The court later vacated the stay on July 28, 2015. But the Kurukshetra Estate Manager issued revised allotment letter to the beneficiary on March 21 this year directing him to deposit Rs 1,85,940, including Rs 94,696 as “interest liability due to non-payment (38 months),” within 30 days. The letter further reads, “failing which allotment will be cancelled after forfeited (sic) 50 per cent of allotment money.” The flat will now cost the “BPL allottee” Rs. 6.19 lakh.

An allottee, who did not want to be identified, said, “When we went to Kurukshetra Estate Manager in 2013, he said we will not be handed over the possession till the case is pending and said it is your will if you want to deposit the money or not .”

Housing Board’s Chief Administrator Arun Kumar Gupta said, “I understand that it becomes uneconomical for the BPL class. I will check it.”

At the same time, he reasoned, “Housing Board is not a profit-making organisation and somebody has to pay for the delay due to case pendency. Either the government pays the Board or it is recovered from the allottees.”

Other Housing Board officials agree that the penal interest has been levied unreasonably on the allottees without their fault and they might find it difficult to get possession. “It is irrational. These are flats for BPL and not for creamy class. But we have to follow instructions from the head office,” said SK Chauhan, Estate Manager, Kurukshetra.

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Housing Board records reveal that except 531 flats in Kurukshetra, 405 in Yamuna Nagar and 55 in Amravati which were completed in 2013, completion report of 10 such projects for BPL class came earlier this year but beneficiaries of these flats have also been slapped the penal interest from a back date. Housing Board headquarter in Panchkula has recently sent files to 13 Estate Managers at various stations for allotment of 3,109 BPL flats adding penal rent liability . These are Dharuhera, Karnal, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Amravati, Narwana, Kurukshetra, Yamuna Nagar, Sonepat, Panipat, Ratia and Jhajjar.

Resource: http://indianexpress.com