Law & Policy

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Chhattisgarh's 15 lakh housing proposal under PMAY-G prioritizes conflict-affected families

Author : PNT Bureau

The Chhattisgarh government has requested central approval for over 15 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) (PMAY-G), with a special focus on families affected by Maoist violence and those of surrendered Maoists. During a meeting with Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the need for targeted housing in 15 districts facing Left-Wing Extremism. The initiative aims to provide stability through housing, particularly in rural areas with acute shortages. The central government is expected to increase funding under PMAY-G to address rising construction costs....

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Gurgaon Citizens Council challenges S+4 floor policy in High Court

Author : PNT Bureau

The Punjab and Haryana High Court heard a plea challenging the Haryana government's policy allowing stilt-plus-four (S+4) floor constructions in Gurgaon's residential areas. The Gurgaon Citizens Council, which filed the petition in the year 2021, argued that the policy was reinstated on July 2, 2024, despite an ongoing court case and a pending expert committee review. During the August 8, 2024, hearing, the government assured the court it would halt further approvals for S+4 constructions until the next hearing on August 22. The court directed the government to submit all the relevant policy documents by the aforementioned date....

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Haryana's Housing Policy Update: Flexible payment plans and support for vulnerable groups under MMSAY

Author : PNT Bureau

The Haryana Cabinet, under Chief Minister Nayeb Singh Saini, has approved key changes to the Mukhya Mantri Shehri Awas Yojana (MMSAY). The amendments extend payment timelines for beneficiaries of 1 Marle (30 sq. yards) plots, giving them three years instead of six months to pay INR 80,000. The policy also allows for penalty-free refunds and plot transfer in case of a beneficiary's death. These changes aim to support urban families earning up to INR 1.80 lakhs annually, benefiting 15,250 low-income households across fourteen districts....

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BBMP to penalise neglected properties: INR 2 per sq. ft fine for unkempt plots

Author : PNT Bureau

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is cracking down on neglected vacant properties, with fines of INR 2 per square foot for unkempt plots. Property owners will receive notices if their sites lack cleanliness, and repeat offenders may face legal action. This initiative aims to curb illegal dumping, improve public health, and enhance neighbourhood quality. Simultaneously, the BBMP is intensifying efforts to combat mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, deploying 600 fogging machines and 618 sprayers across the city as daily case numbers stabilise. The BBMP's actions reflect its commitment to fostering a cleaner and healthier Bengaluru....

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Goa to amend law for regularising homes on government-allotted land

Author : PNT Bureau

Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced plans to amend the Regularisation of Unauthorised Construction Act to include structures on government-allotted land. This move addresses local concerns and aims to safeguard homes built under the 20-point programme and similar initiatives. Sawant assured no demolitions until the amendment is enacted. Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate emphasised local bodies' roles in the process. The amendment, influenced by Supreme Court observations, seeks to protect vulnerable communities while ensuring housing security for Goa's residents....

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Bangalore Development Authority considers 15-20% hike in villa prices

Author : PNT Bureau

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is contemplating a 15-20% price increase for villas in Hunnigere, off the Nelamangala-Sondekoppe Road, due to rising construction costs. Prices for 3 BHK villas may rise from INR 75 lakh to INR 85-90 lakh, and 4 BHK villas from INR 1.10 crore to INR 1.15-1.20 crore. Additionally, prices for 320 one-bedroom flats have increased from INR 13.50 lakh to INR 15 lakh. This move, set for finalisation in an upcoming board meeting, has sparked concerns among prospective buyers about affordability amidst ongoing inflation and market conditions....

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Visakhapatnam targets 71,000 houses for completion in new housing initiative

Author : PNT Bureau

Visakhapatnam's housing initiative is progressing as District Collector Harendira Prasad directs the Housing Department to update the status of over 71,000 houses. Out of 1.39 lakh planned houses, approximately 1.29 lakh have been sanctioned, with 23,995 completed. The initiative spans 138 rural and 64 urban layouts. Prasad emphasises a 100-day action plan, daily progress reports, and geo-tagging for transparency. The move addresses the growing demand for affordable housing, especially post-COVID-19, and aims to improve living conditions for residents through efficient and accountable project management....

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Bengaluru residents raise alarm over widespread illegal constructions and safety violations

Author : PNT Bureau

Residents across Bengaluru are raising alarms about illegal construction and building bylaw violations. Notably, a senior citizen from Nandidurga Road Extension reported over 15 major violations, including illegal utility connections. Despite repeated complaints to BBMP and state officials, the building's owners added extra floors and a generator on an upper floor. Other areas, such as Jeyamahal and Basavangudi, face similar issues, with unauthorised gas cylinder facilities and encroachments on public roads. Residents demand stricter enforcement from authorities, emphasising that these violations pose significant safety risks and undermine community well-being....

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Gurugram administration blocks NBCC green view demolition after protests and court case

Author : PNT Bureau

The Green View project, developed by NBCC, was deemed unsafe by IIT-Roorkee and CBRI, leading to a directive for residents to vacate their flats by March 2022 due to severe structural issues. On June 25, NBCC sought permission to demolish seven unsafe towers, but this request faced strong opposition from Economically Weaker Section (EWS) residents, who are dissatisfied with unresolved compensation claims. The EWS residents, many economically disadvantaged, have been vocal about their grievances in a grievance redressal meeting and have a pending case in the Delhi High Court. Consequently, the district administration denied NBCC's demolition request, emphasizing compliance with the High Court's final decision and ensuring fair compensation for the affected residents. The decision highlights the need for legal adherence and fair treatment of vulnerable stakeholders....

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High-profile landowners face 40% plot size cut in Makarba TP Scheme reforms

Author : PNT Bureau

The Makarba Town Planning (TP) Scheme 204 controversy is nearing resolution as a state-appointed committee - Ahmedabad recommends a 40% reduction in plot sizes for around 50 high-profile landowners. This move aims to address years of alleged irregularities in land use. The scheme, covering 1,100 hectares in sought-after zones like Sarkhej and Vejalpur, faced accusations of favoritism since 2007. A thorough investigation confirmed these claims, and the revised plan now awaits approval from the AMC and state government. The resolution could mark a shift toward greater accountability and transparency in Ahmedabad's urban planning....