Bihar Government Mandates Registered Committees for All Apartment Complexes
In a significant move to address housing grievances, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has announced that all apartment complexes in Bihar will be required to form registered committees. This directive aims to ensure that residents' complaints are systematically addressed and resolved.
Legislative Council Discussion Highlights Housing Issues
The announcement came during a session of the Bihar Legislative Council, where RJD MLC Saurabh Kumar raised concerns about problems in an apartment complex in Maheshnagar, Ward No. 7. Kumar highlighted a case where residents have been suffering due to a non-functional lift for an extended period, with their complaint stuck at the municipal corporation level.
Kumar pointed out that the Bihar Apartment Ownership Act, 2006 is not being properly implemented, alleging that delays in hearings by civic bodies are preventing complaint resolution. In response, Council Chairperson Awadhesh Narain Singh emphasized the difficulties faced by residents and instructed the government to ensure that apartment complexes establish registered committees.
Government Commitment to Compliance and Implementation
Deputy CM Sinha, who also holds the portfolio for Urban Development and Housing, stated that many apartments currently lack such bodies. He assured the House that the department will enforce compliance with the new mandate. "The government will look into this matter seriously and ensure implementation," Sinha declared, promising to address the gaps in grievance redressal mechanisms.
Other Key Issues Raised in the Legislative Council
The session also covered several other pressing matters:
- Paddy Procurement Targets: Opposition MLCs Saurabh Kumar and Sunil Kumar Singh noted a reduction in procurement targets despite higher harvests. Singh revealed that the target was lowered to 36 lakh metric tonnes this year from 45 lakh metric tonnes last year. In response, Food and Consumer Protection Minister Pramod Kumar announced an extension of the procurement deadline from February 28 to March 31 and indicated that the government is reviewing a potential increase in targets.
- Pending Complaints at Bihar State Information Commission: RJD MLC Abdul Bari Siddiqui raised concerns about the backlog of cases, stating that it creates hurdles for common people. Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary informed the House that 27,379 cases are pending and assured that the government is working to address the backlog by recruiting for vacant commissioner posts.
- Land Measurement Obstruction in Munger: Through a call attention motion, 18 members highlighted alleged obstruction in land measurement work at Tetiya Bambar in Munger, involving MLC Sameer Kumar Singh. Singh reported that strongmen and land mafia are hindering the process and have issued threats. Deputy CM Sinha responded firmly, stating that those involved will not be spared regardless of their influence. He confirmed that the divisional commissioner and district magistrate have been directed to investigate, with the case to be handled at the additional secretary level and police officials instructed to take strict action against culprits.
This comprehensive discussion in the legislative council underscores the Bihar government's focus on improving governance and addressing citizen concerns across various sectors, from urban housing to agricultural procurement and administrative efficiency.
