DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

In Punjab, now there is no need of NoC for the registry of plots up to 500 square yards. A notification will be issued after approval of LR and other competent authorities and after that at least two months will be given to the residents of the state to take advantage of this facility.

It was disclosed by Revenue, Rehabilitation and Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh today.

He described this novel measure as Diwali gift for the people of the state by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. The requirement of NoC has been abolished, which has fulfilled the long-standing demand of the residents of the state. He said that people were suffering for more than a decade due to the laxity shown by the previous governments in this matter.

Secretary Housing and Urban Development Rahul Tewari and PUDA CA and Town and Country Planning Director Neeru Katial Gupta were also present during the Press Conference.

Mundian further said that the current government has taken a big decision in this direction as a consequence of which 'The Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (PAPRA) Amendment Act, 2024' was passed in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on 3rd September to eliminate the need of NoC, which has now been approved by the Governor. Now after completing the paperwork, a notification will be issued after approval of LR and other competent authorities.

In response to a media person's query, he said that at least two months will be given to the residents of the state to take advantage of this facility.

The Minister further said that with this decision, while the screws will be tightened on the illegal colonies, there will be relief to the small plot owners who were facing problems in getting their plots registered. He said that as per the amendment any person who upto July 31, 2024, for an area upto 500 square yard situated in an unauthorized colony, has entered into a power of attorney, agreement to sell on stamp paper, or any other such document, will not require any No Objection Certificate for registration of land. In response to a question he said that now any registered person or promoter or his agent and any other promoter who, without any reasonable cause, fails to comply with or violates the provisions of Section-5 of the Act shall be held guilty.

He can be fined at least Rs. 25 lakh which can be increased up to Rs. 5 Crore. Along with this, he will be sentenced to imprisonment for a minimum of five years which may extend to ten years.
(editor@dailyworld.in)