Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced that the state government will formulate a comprehensive state-wide policy to permanently resolve long-pending issues faced by citizens who have invested their savings in unauthorised property plots across Punjab.
Strict action against colonisers
Mann said that strict legal action would be initiated against unscrupulous colonisers, while the Punjab government would provide relief to affected residents through a uniform policy. "The relief package and policy being prepared will not be restricted to cities like Ludhiana or Patiala. It will be implemented uniformly across the entire state of Punjab so that every affected citizen receives justice," he said.
Thousands of innocent buyers affected
During deliberations with residents of such colonies, Mann noted that thousands of innocent buyers across Punjab were suffering because of colonisers who sold plots in unauthorised colonies and left people to face legal and infrastructural problems. "Innocent families invested their life savings in plots, only to later discover that they could neither sell the land nor get registries done. They were also deprived of basic facilities such as electricity, water and sewerage connections. These people are victims and deserve justice," he added.
Mann further stated, "Fraudulent colonisers lured people with attractive brochures and false promises. They sold plots, pocketed the profits and walked away, leaving ordinary citizens to deal with the consequences. At the time of sale, they concealed the fact that electricity meters, roads and sewerage connections could not be sanctioned in these colonies."
Government to protect innocent citizens
The chief minister said the state government will protect the interests of innocent citizens who invested their savings due to a lack of awareness. He informed that a dedicated meeting with senior officials would soon be convened to examine the suggestions received from citizens and review all pending legal and financial issues linked to unauthorised colonies. "We will carefully consider the concerns and suggestions put forward by residents so that a practical and long-term solution can be developed," he added.
Advice for future property buyers
Urging people to exercise caution while purchasing property in the future, Mann advised, "Before investing in any real estate project, buyers must conduct proper verification and ensure that the project has been approved by the competent authorities such as PUDA, GMADA or GLADA."
