The Noida Authority plans to open escrow accounts for 59 developers who have defaulted on payments. The move aims to recover dues and reduce financial losses caused by developers diverting funds to other projects. Escrow accounts require developers to deposit 50% of the collected funds from homebuyers and other sources, giving the Authority access to withdraw from these accounts when necessary. Four accounts have already been opened for certain projects, and 15-20 more are expected to follow. This decision, backed by UP-RERA, is hoped to recover over Rs 7,000 crore in dues, benefiting both the Authority and property buyers.
The Noida Authority's decision to establish escrow accounts for developers who have failed to make payments is a strategic move aimed at tackling the urgent issue of mounting financial losses. Additionally, it aims to facilitate property buyers in registering their properties once the outstanding dues are settled. This measure gains significant importance as investigations have revealed that many of the defaulting developers had diverted funds to other projects, causing substantial financial losses to the Authority.
Escrow accounts play a crucial role in holding developers accountable for their financial obligations. When an escrow account is set up, the concerned developer is obligated to deposit 50% of the funds collected from homebuyers and other funding sources. This step ensures that a portion of the collected funds is available for the Noida Authority to withdraw as needed, providing them with financial security and mitigating the risk of further losses.
The process of opening escrow accounts is already underway, with four accounts already operational for projects under the JM Group, Nimbus, and Gulshan Group. Moreover, the Authority is actively working on initiating 15-20 more accounts within the next few days. For developments associated with Sports City, the commercial department of the Noida Authority has been assigned the responsibility of establishing escrow accounts for over 20 developers. While the precise schedule for meetings is yet to be finalized, it is anticipated that these accounts will be operational from the following month.
Noida Authority's officials are optimistic that implementing escrow accounts will not only facilitate the recovery of outstanding dues but also assist property buyers in completing the registration process for their properties. The anticipated recovery of over Rs 7,000 crore in dues through this initiative could significantly alleviate the financial burden on the Authority and enable them to focus on various development projects.
Though the provision of establishing escrow accounts has existed since the establishment of UP-RERA, only a limited number of accounts were activated in the past. The recent decision to create escrow accounts for defaulting developers stems from extensive discussions about the mounting dues issue. Swatantra Kumar, the finance controller, played a pivotal role in driving this decision, emphasizing the importance of holding developers accountable for their financial responsibilities.
In conclusion, the Noida Authority's initiative to establish escrow accounts for defaulting developers represents a significant stride towards recovering dues, curbing financial losses, and fostering greater accountability in the real estate sector. By securing a portion of the collected funds in escrow accounts, the Authority gains enhanced control over financial transactions and safeguards the interests of both property buyers and themselves. This move is expected to pave the way for a more transparent and efficient real estate ecosystem in Noida.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
