The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
UP Minister Mahana meets protesting home buyers
IN AN attempt to extend support to the thousands of home buyers who have been left in the lurch due to delay in handing over of flats in Noida and Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Satish Mahana met a section of home investors Thursday afternoon and assured them of stern action against the builders.
“The minister has asked all builders to provide details of all projects online as a transparency measure. He assured that strict action will be taken against defaulting builders,” a senior Noida official said.
Among those who met Mahana on Thursday was Annu Khan, President, Noida Estate Flat Owners Main Association.
“Today, lakhs of flat buyers in Noida, Greater Noida and Greater Noida West are facing harassment from builders. After formation of a new government, there is hope among buyers, especially after the meeting with the Industries Minister on Thursday. According to us, flat buyers who have been running from builders to Noida Authority but have not been handed over their flats, or those who were getting flats at a higher cost, listed out measures that the government could take on the issue,” Khan said.
As per the association’s suggestions, old flat owners should not be asked for additional payment such as farmer compensation, escalation charges, late payment charges and sewer and water connection charges. It was furthersuggestedthatbuildersassure timely handing over of flats.
“We also suggested that an order be passed in cases where a home investor wants to withdraw his payment. The builders should return the money with interest,” Khan said.
“In order to escape from the Real Estate (regulation and development) Act , builders are applying for partial completion certificates and asking buyers to take possession of the flat, where basic facilities are not available. We have requested the minister to investigate this and ensure that partial completion certificates are issued after proper inspection,” said Yogendra Tomar from Eros Buyers Group.
With the district witnessing a series of protests by home investors, heavy security arrangements had been made by authorities ahead of Mahana’s visit.
Outside the Noida Authority office in Sector 6, some home investors were left fuming after they were allegedly denied an interaction with the minister.
One of them was Delhi resident Preeti Kalra, who bought a flat in Noida Sector 113.
“We did not get entry. We bought a flat in Noida Sector 113 and the entire amount has been paid. For the last three years, we have been given false assurances that the flat will be ready in a year or a few months but the status of construction has remained the same. A public notice had come today, where it was said that anyone can come and meet the minister at the Authority. But we have been standing at the gate and waiting since morning,” she said.