Law & Policy

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Andhra Pradesh government accelerates affordable housing efforts

Author : PNT Bureau

The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Housing Minister K Pardha Saradhi, has announced an ambitious plan to complete the construction of around 1.28 lakh houses in the next 100 days. This is part of a larger goal to finish 8 lakh houses by next March. The minister reviewed the progress of housing units under the PM Awas Yojana scheme and assured full support to the beneficiaries. The government has prepared a roadmap to systematically complete the ongoing projects and has decided to allow stage conversion for 6 lakh units to facilitate faster progress. Additionally, the government plans to utilize fly ash for infrastructure development and closely monitor the projects through monthly reviews with district officials....

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Supreme Court calls for uniformity in builder-buyer agreements to curb homebuyer fraud

Author : PNT Bureau

The Supreme Court has observed that homebuyers across the country are being defrauded by builders, necessitating uniformity in builder-buyer agreements. The court recently heard a PIL filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, seeking the creation of a model agreement to ensure transparency and fairness and to restrain builders and agents from engaging in unfair and restrictive trade practices. The bench stated that buyers are being defrauded by builders all across the country, which is why there is a need for uniformity. The court will review the report of the amicus curiae and the objections to it, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on July 19....

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Bombay High Court grants temporary relief to residents of unauthorized settlements in Nalasopara

Author : PNT Bureau

The Bombay High Court has provided significant relief to around 8,000 residents of 41 unauthorized buildings in Agarwal Nagar, Nalasopara East, by staying their eviction for three months due to the impending monsoon season. The residents approached the court, expressing their concerns and willingness to be evicted only if they received cash compensation or alternative housing. The eviction notices were issued following a directive from the High Court, as the buildings were deemed encroachments on municipal lands. The illegal construction was allegedly carried out by former corporator Sitaram Gupta and his son Arun Gupta without necessary permissions. The case has highlighted the ongoing struggle between the residents and the authorities, with the High Court's stay order providing temporary relief while the long-term solution remains to be determined....

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DDA asks Dwarka Sector 19B allottees to settle final payment by August 28

Author : PNT Bureau

The DDA has announced that the housing units in Dwarka's Sector 19B are ready for possession. Allottees must complete their final payments by August 28 to avoid extra charges. If payments are made after this date but by September 28, an interest rate of 10% per annum will be applied. The DDA urged allottees to settle payments promptly to avoid additional costs and to take possession of their new homes without delay. The Delhi Development Authority has issued a circular for allottees of its premium housing scheme in Dwarka's Sector 19B. The DDA claims the units are ready for possession....

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Gurugram builders ordered to address critical maintenance after plaster falls

Author : PNT Bureau

The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) in Gurugram issued notices to 38 builders, mandating surveys and addressing maintenance issues within seven days after plaster fell from balconies in Paras Dews and Signature Global Solera societies, causing panic. Residents demanded immediate action, highlighting persistent safety concerns. District town planner Manish Yadav's notice emphasised resolving critical maintenance issues and submitting action reports. Developers, including CHD and NBCC, Paras Buildtech, and others, were named. Incidents at the Paras Dews and the Solera led to injuries and highlighted the urgency. Developers acknowledged the issues, attributing them to rain and promised timely repairs....

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Bihar's land survey initiative targets completion by July 2025

Author : PNT Bureau

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has urged officials to accelerate the statewide land survey and settlement, aiming for completion by mid-2025. Addressing the issue at an event in Patna, Kumar highlighted the role of land disputes in crime, linking over 60% of incidents in the state to such disputes. Initiated in 2013 with a special aerial survey, the effort aims to reduce conflicts and enhance legal clarity. With recent recruitment of 9,888 officials, the government emphasizes the survey's importance in promoting social stability and economic growth, underscoring its commitment to effective land management and governance....

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Andhra Pradesh CM focuses on infrastructure and price control

Author : PNT Bureau

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has initiated a comprehensive overhaul, focusing on infrastructure repairs and essential commodity price stability. In recent meetings, Naidu emphasised urgent measures to address road repairs, ensure continuous sand supply for construction, and stabilise prices of key commodities. He directed officials to implement both immediate and long-term strategies, aiming to swiftly resolve long standing issues and enhance public welfare. Naidu's proactive stance includes modernising road maintenance efforts and collaborating with central authorities to regulate prices and secure essential supplies. His efforts underscore a commitment to bolstering economic stability and public satisfaction across the state....

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Federal budget 2024 to boost rural India with USD 6.5 billion housing subsidies and job creation

Author : PNT Bureau

This year's federal budget aims to significantly uplift rural India by enhancing housing, job opportunities, and infrastructure. The government plans to increase rural housing subsidies by 50%, allocating over USD 6.5 billion to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-G) program. This initiative will provide up to INR 200,000 (approximately USD 2,395) per household for building permanent homes, targeting 20 million new houses in addition to the 26 million already constructed since 2016. The budget will also boost funding for rural job programs and village road improvements, aiming to strengthen the rural economy and improve living conditions....

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Madras High Court overturns authorities' decision to use residents' land to build taluk

Author : PNT Bureau

The Madras High Court ordered authorities to give free house sites pattas to 500 scheduled community families whose land was set to be utilized for building Kallimandayam taluk. The land was allotted to the community in 2012 due to poor living conditions. When the petitioner submitted the representation to the grant pattas, he was informed that the land no longer belonged to the community, breaching the right of legitimate expectation. Justice G R Swaminathan observed that decision has been taken arbitrarily and free house sites must be give to the families within three months....

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Environmental concerns arise as Goa TCP approves zoning changes for six plots

Author : PNT Bureau

In June 2024, Goa's Town and Country Planning department approved zoning changes for six land plots, invoking Section 39A of the Goa Town and Country Planning Act. This provision allows the chief town planner to modify regional plans without public consultation, aiming to expedite land conversions. Critics raise concerns about transparency and potential environmental impact, especially regarding four plots in Pernem where 21% of green cover might be converted. The decision, open for public objections for 30 days, underscores the tension between development and responsible land use in Goa....