Punjab Governor Approves Bill to Simplify Property Registration in Unauthorized Colonies
In a significant move aimed at easing the property registration process in Punjab, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has granted his approval for the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024. This amendment removes the longstanding requirement for a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the registration of land deeds, particularly benefiting property owners in unauthorized colonies. The announcement was hailed by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as a "Diwali Bonanza" for the people of the state, signaling a major shift in the regulatory landscape surrounding property ownership.
The amendment follows the Punjab Assembly's decision on September 3 to pass the bill, which seeks to provide relief to individuals who own plots of land up to 500 square yards in approximately 14,000 unauthorized colonies across the state. By waiving the NOC requirement, the government aims to alleviate the bureaucratic hurdles that have long plagued small plot holders, allowing them to register their properties without unnecessary complications.
In a letter issued by the governor's office, it was communicated to the Chief Minister's special chief secretary that the bill has been officially signed into law. Chief Minister Mann expressed gratitude for the governor's swift approval, emphasizing that the amendment is designed to exert stringent control over the proliferation of illegal colonies while simultaneously offering much-needed relief to citizens who have invested in these properties.
According to CM Mann, the amendment is a critical step toward addressing the hardships faced by the common man in registering their plots. It also aims to combat the rampant growth of unauthorized colonies, a situation that has been exacerbated by the mismanagement of previous governments.
The amendment specifically addresses those property owners who entered into a power of attorney or agreement to sell for areas up to 500 square yards located in unauthorized colonies prior to July 31, 2024. Under this new law, these individuals will not require an NOC to register their properties, granting them the legal recognition they need to establish ownership.
The need for this amendment arose from the challenges faced by small plot holders, particularly after previous amendments to the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA) in 2014. These earlier changes were intended to discourage the establishment of unauthorized colonies while making the property registration process more investor-friendly. However, the unintended consequences resulted in significant difficulties for small property owners, who found it increasingly challenging to obtain NOCs required for registering their land. The previous amendments failed to effectively control the proliferation of unauthorized colonies, leading to a situation where landowners were left in a precarious position.
By eliminating the NOC requirement, the new amendment provides a much-needed reprieve for individuals living in unauthorized colonies. CM Mann has pointed out that this move addresses the concerns of thousands of residents who had invested their savings in properties that were ultimately deemed illegal. The amendment serves not only to facilitate property registration but also to hold accountable those responsible for the growth of unauthorized colonies in Punjab.
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora shared the news on behalf of the state government, stating that the approval of the bill signifies a commitment to rectifying the past grievances faced by property owners. He attributed the rapid expansion of unauthorized colonies to the negligence of previous governments, particularly the Akali and Congress parties, which he claims failed to address the issue effectively. By acknowledging the challenges posed by the over 14,000 unauthorized colonies, the current administration seeks to implement measures that will prevent further illegal developments while providing a pathway to legitimate property ownership for affected citizens.
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