Punjab: Three months time for registration of plots in unauthorized colonies

Punjab: The Punjab government today gave a three-month period from December 1 for registration of plots in unauthorised colonies without a no objection certificate (NOC). Now, any property holder who has a power of attorney or agreement to sell stamp paper or a registered document regarding the title of land till July 31, 2024, can get his property registered with the sub-registrar or joint sub-registrar. The relaxation to hundreds of plot holders has been given just days ahead of the holding of civic body elections to five municipal corporations and 42 municipal councils and nagar panchayats. In a detailed set of guidelines issued on Monday, housing and urban development secretary Rahul Tiwari said the three-month period from December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025 will apply to properties located in the area governed by the urban housing and local bodies departments.
The guidelines have been issued under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024. The exemption is subject to the condition that the plot does not fall in unauthorised development taken up in a restricted area along scheduled roads and national highways; does not violate the provisions of the respective master plan and does not fall in eco-sensitive zones covered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Further, subsequent sale deeds of such plots will be permitted in future, subject to the condition that such property can be subdivided. However, there is a catch here. The benefit has been extended only to plots up to 500 sq yd, leaving those with larger-sized plots in a quandary. Such colonies have plots of varying sizes. Providing civic amenities to those with smaller-sized plots and leaving out others is raising questions, as essential services have to be provided in such colonies.