Bill for ‘smoother’ eviction of overstaying netas

THE CHANGES WILL ENSURE MINISTERS, MPs AND BUREAUCRATS DON’T OVERSTAY IN GOVT BUNGALOWS ONCE THEIR TERM IS OVER

NEW DELHI: The government moved one step closer to rid its limited living spaces of squatters, with the introduction of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2017.

The changes to the law will ensure that ministers, MPs and bureaucrats don’t overstay in government bungalows once their term is over.

Among politicians, Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh is overstaying in an official bungalow for over two years. Besides, 70 officials continue to occupy gov- ernment houses two years after their tenure in Delhi ended or they retired. All of them have moved court and got a stay.

Under the rules, a former minister can hold on to his or her official accommodation for a month after demitting office. Once the stipulated time is over, the Union housing and urban affairs ministry takes about two months to initiate eviction proceedings.

“This gave ample time to squatters move district or high courts and get a stay delaying the whole process,” said an official.

The amendments will ensure that the ministry starts summary eviction proceeding within three days after the stipulated time given to a former MP or a retired official is over.

The clause to approach district court has also been removed. “It was an easy way to delay the process by getting a stay. Now, an unauthorised occupant can move only the HC or SC, which requires time. It can’t happen in three days,” said another official.