The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has deferred a proposal to scrap its long-pending general housing scheme in Sector 53 after nominated board members opposed the move and demanded clarity on the authority's future housing policy. The proposal was discussed during a board of directors meeting chaired by Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad, where 16 agendas were taken up.
Merits and demerits to be studied first
According to officials, the board decided to first examine the merits and demerits of the Sector 53 scheme before making a final decision. The matter will be taken up again at the next board meeting. The proposal to formally withdraw the scheme was opposed by nominated members, who argued that no decision should be made without first finalizing a comprehensive policy on land utilization and construction of affordable housing.
Opposition to private builder involvement
The Sector 53 housing project has remained stalled despite the CHB conducting two separate demand surveys over the years. Nominated board member Shakti Prakash Devshali strongly opposed the idea of developing the scheme through private builders, warning that such a move would lead to soaring prices. Board members insisted that before abandoning the scheme, the CHB must clearly outline its land disposal policy, and certain policy aspects should be finalized before any withdrawal decision.
Payment defaults and relief measures
The board also reviewed the issue of payment defaults across various housing schemes. CHB records show that around 13,000 allottees have defaulted on payments under different schemes, owing a total of approximately Rs 52 crore. This amount includes about Rs 25 crore in basic rent and Rs 27 crore in interest. To provide relief, the board decided to allow defaulters to clear their dues through easy monthly installments.
Lock-in period reduction considered
Another significant proposal sought to reduce the mandatory lock-in period from 10 years to 5 years for nearly 200 allottees of the Self-Financing Housing Scheme-2016 in Sector 51-A. This would allow flat owners to sell or transfer their properties after the revised period. Devshali noted that instead of limiting the relief to Sector 51-A, it was agreed to formulate a uniform policy for all housing schemes across the city. Once implemented, allottees of various schemes would be able to sell or transfer their flats or houses after five years.
Lift installation policy to be formulated
The board also decided to formulate a policy for installation of lifts in existing CHB residential complexes, aiming to improve accessibility and convenience for residents.
