Policy for regularisation of unauthorized colonies passed by Cabinet

To check mushrooming growth of unplanned and haphazard constructions across the state, Punjab Cabinet Wednesday gave approval to a policy for regularisation of unauthorised colonies developed before March 19 this year.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh here, according to an official spokesperson.

The move will give an opportunity to colonisers or residents who have failed to apply for either getting their unauthorised colonies regularised or un-authorised plots or buildings falling in un-authorised colonies compounded under previous policies, or whose application is pending.

Stringent action would be taken against the coloniser of a colony, which comes up after the cut-off date March 19, 2018, and also against those who do not apply for regularisation, the Cabinet decided.

According to the spokesperson, this policy would enable residents living in these colonies to get facilities of basic civic amenities like water supply, sewerage, electricity and road connectivity etc.

Highlighting the key features of this policy, the spokesperson said unauthorised colonies developed before March 19, 2018, shall be regularised, with regularisation charges earlier paid under the previous policies to be adjusted.

The charges thus received from the regularisation of the particular colony would be used for providing basic infrastructure to that specific colony only and payment of charges shall be made in instalments.

Besides, a committee of officers shall also be constituted for quick regularisation of colonies, as well as plots falling in these unauthorised colonies.

Residents Welfare Association (RWA) can also submit an application for regularisation of the colony. Where there is no colonizer, a creation of RWA shall be mandatory, it said.

However, the area under the road or park would be transferred in the name of the local authority immediately, and subsequently would be transferred to RWA as and when formed for its maintenance. Till that time, the upkeep shall be the responsibility of the coloniser, said spokesman.

Unauthorised colonies have been categorised into four categories viz. where up to 25 per cent plots are sold, where 25 per cent to 50 per cent plots are sold, where more than 50 per cent plots are sold and a special provision for exceptional colony having more than 75 per cent built-up area.

The coloniser would be required to submit registered sale deeds within three months from the grant of provisional regularisation certificate in case sale agreements have been submitted as proof of sale.

No legal action shall be initiated against the coloniser who pays full charges as per demand notice. Also, no interest shall be levied on the pending payment.

In another decision, the Cabinet also decided to amend Punjab Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 through an ordinance in order to simplify the process of filing returns and payment of tax with minimum paperwork.

Notably, Punjab Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 is the replica of Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment), Bill has been passed by Lok Sabha on August 9, 2018. Similar amendments have to be made in Punjab Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

(With inputs from agencies.)