Capt gives nod to notify RERA rules, orders freeze on FIRs

CHANDIGARH: Giving the go-ahead for the notification of rules for implementation of the Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA) 2016 in the state to protect interests of property buyers against unscrupulous builders, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday ordered a freeze on the registration of first information reports (FIRs) in cases relating to unauthorised constructions till the completion of the ongoing review of such colonies.

Chairing a review meeting of the department of housing and urban development here on Thursday, it was decided that the chief minister will place the memorandum, related to the enforcement of the Act, before the next Cabinet meeting for approval.

The chief minister also approved the establishment of a regulatory authority for the implementation of the Real Estate Regulation Act.

The proposed authority will consist of a chairperson and at least two members as mandated by the Act, who will act as the nodal agency.

The authority was mandated by the meeting to register real estate projects of 500 sq m and above or eight apartments or more.

During the meeting, Amarinder ordered priority allocation for senior citizens and women in the reserved categories for allotment of housing sites/flats by the government.

The Punjab chief minister asked the officials to find a way to provide basic amenities to the people living in unauthorised colonies without encouraging development of more such colonies.

He also directed the additional chief secretary hosing to ensure that every developer earmarks 5% of the total project area for construction of dwelling units for the economically weaker sections of the society, said an official spokesperson.