Affordable housing policy: Builders to get govt sops

MOHALI : To ensure affordable housing for people in the low-income group, the Punjab government has proposed a new policy under which incentives will be provided to promoters developing such colonies.

In a press note, the department of the housing and urban development said, “The policy proposes to offer higher density and floor area ratio (FAR) to promoters who show interest in developing an affordable colony.” Rebate is proposed in fees too.

All master plans in the state stipulate a minimum of five acres of land for an affordable colony, except for Mohali (SAS Nagar) and New Chandigarh Master Plans. In these cities any activity of setting up a colony can be undertaken only as per the provisions of the approved master plan. Under the policy, the maximum saleable area for the flats has been proposed at 65% of the total project. Parking norms have also been relaxed. The draft of the policy has been uploaded on the websites pbhousing.gov.in and puda.gov.in for comments. The policy will be finalised after suggestions from the public.

APP TO CHECK ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION

To check unauthorised construction in illegal colonies in the state, the department of Housing, Urban Development has developed an app — PUDA-UCIC (Unauthorised Construction Illegal Colonies).

Now, members of the field staff can click pictures of any unauthorised construction or illegal colony and upload these with the help of the app.

The official can also enter his remarks and the information will reach the district town planner concerned and the chief administrator, leading to immediate action.