In a major decision providing financial relief to thousands of residents, the Punjab Cabinet has approved a substantial reduction in the long-pending enhancement charges for plots in Mohali's sectors 76 to 80. The final payable rate has been set at Rs 2,216 per square metre, down significantly from the earlier demanded amount.
A New Year Gift for Mohali Allottees
Announcing the Cabinet's decision, Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh addressed a press conference on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. He termed the move a "New Year gift" for the residents and urged all allottees to deposit the revised amount promptly once official notifications are issued to avoid future interest liabilities.
The path to this reduction involved multiple stages. Initially, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) had issued enhancement notices demanding Rs 3,164 per square metre. After sustained efforts and meetings led by MLA Kulwant Singh, the rate was first brought down to Rs 2,325 per square metre. The latest Cabinet decision, approved by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has granted an additional relief of Rs 109 per square metre, finalizing the rate at Rs 2,216.
Political Allegations and a Long-Pending Issue
Kulwant Singh did not mince words while explaining the historical context of the issue. He alleged that for nearly 15 to 20 years, residents were misled for political gain. Singh specifically held former minister Balbir Sidhu responsible, claiming that enhancement notices were deliberately stalled during his 15-year tenure as the local MLA.
"When GMADA initially prepared enhancement notices, some leaders deliberately blocked their delivery to avoid public scrutiny. As a result, the amount kept increasing with interest," Singh alleged. He stated that this inaction caused the payable amount to nearly triple between 2008 and 2025.
Breakthrough and Practical Implications
The MLA credited a breakthrough in discussions with the GMADA Chief Administrator for the sharp reduction in rates, which is set to save each allottee several lakh rupees. A formal government notification is expected shortly, after which GMADA will issue fresh notices to residents asking for the deposit of the revised amount.
Singh also provided crucial clarifications on the payment process:
- No penalty or interest will be charged from those who have not yet paid the old dues.
- Allottees who have already deposited penalties will receive a refund or adjustment.
"I have always stood with the people of Mohali, and reducing their financial burden was my responsibility," Singh asserted. Appealing to the residents, he emphasized that the relief has finally been granted and urged them to act quickly to take full advantage of the revised, lower rates.
