CM Nayab Singh Saini Takes Disciplinary Action Amidst Delays in Mukhyamantri Shehri Nikay Swamitva Scheme
The Mukhyamantri Shehri Nikay Swamitva Scheme, introduced by the Haryana government in June 2021, aims to grant ownership rights to individuals who have rented or leased commercial properties from municipalities for over 20 years. To secure ownership, applicants are required to pay a specific percentage of the property’s collector rate, with the amount based on the length of the rental period. The scheme features a graded payment structure, where those with longer rental periods pay a lower percentage of the collector rate.
However, despite being launched three years ago, the implementation of the scheme has faced significant delays. As a result, 2,100 applications remain pending, even though many applicants have already completed the required payments to secure ownership.
In Gurgaon, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) received 705 applications under the scheme as of August 31, 2024. Out of these, 418 applications were approved, 185 were rejected, and 102 are still pending. The MCG has since stopped accepting new submissions following the closure of the application portal.
The backlog of applications was a key issue at a review meeting held in Chandigarh on October 24, 2024. During this meeting, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed concern over the slow progress and instructed officials to expedite the issuance of conveyance deeds. The CM also emphasized the involvement of elected representatives in the scheme's implementation, particularly in conveyance deed issuance.
Dissatisfied with the ongoing delays, CM Saini took disciplinary action on November 9, 2024, penalizing the joint commissioners of Gurgaon and Ambala, as well as an executive officer of the Nuh Corporation, with a 15-day salary deduction. Following the CM’s directive, Vikas Gupta, commissioner and secretary of the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) department, issued an order mandating officials to complete all pending cases under the scheme
The Swamitva Scheme offers long-term municipal tenants an affordable path to property ownership by setting reduced collector rates for ownership acquisition. For example, tenants with a 25-year rental history must pay 75% of the collector rate, while those renting for 30 years pay 70%. This structure aims to make ownership affordable for long-term renters who might be unable to pay full market rates.
An inquiry by the vigilance department in April 2023 revealed challenges with the scheme's oversight. It was discovered that an MCG zonal taxation officer had allegedly misused the scheme to transfer ownership of a shop to his son by exploiting his position. This case raised concerns about transparency, leading the state to emphasize the need for better oversight to prevent misuse.
To address these issues, the Haryana government is prioritizing adherence to guidelines to ensure that qualified applicants benefit from the scheme. Strict measures have been implemented to handle cases of non-compliance and maintain the scheme’s intended purpose.
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