The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) faces severe challenges, with over 15,000 allottees owing more than INR 65 crore in unpaid dues. Despite efforts, the CHB struggles with enforcement, as unauthorised occupations and subletting plague its 18,138 small flats, including 2,000 Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs). A recent survey revealed 1,117 flats in illegal use, highlighting the board's inefficiency. Political opposition and slow legal processes further hinder the CHB's ability to manage its housing stock effectively, raising concerns over its role in providing affordable housing in Chandigarh.
The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB), once a player in the region's housing sector, now faces significant challenges that hinder its effectiveness and relevance. Since 2016, there have been no new residential projects initiated by the board, indicating a serious issue in fulfilling its mandate to provide affordable housing to residents.
One of the major problems the CHB deals with is the growing amount of unpaid dues from its allottees. Currently, over 15,000 allottees owe the board more than INR 65 crore in rental fees. Despite issuing warnings and notices to these defaulters, the recovery efforts have not been successful. Efforts to evict non-payers have also proven difficult; many evicted individuals return to occupy the houses they were removed from. In one case, an eviction process that began in 2008 took years to execute, but the dwelling was reoccupied just two years later.
Administrative inefficiency has compounded these issues. The board has approximately 18,138 small flats under its scheme, including around 2,000 units designated as Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs). These properties, intended to serve eligible families and individuals, are critical for providing affordable housing in the city. The monthly rent for these units is initially set at INR 800, with a 20% increase every five years. Sadly, the CHB struggles to maintain control over these units, with rampant subletting and illegal occupations affecting its ability to enforce policies.
A door-to-door survey conducted by the board revealed that out of the 18,138 small flats and ARHCs, only 15,995 units were retained by original allottees. The remaining 2,143 units had nearly half-1,117-in unauthorised use. This situation highlights a persistent challenge the CHB faces: enforcement of housing regulations. The inability to stop subletting and illegal occupations means that many of the intended beneficiaries of these housing schemes are unable to secure safe and affordable housing.
Additionally, political factors play a significant role in the CHB's struggles. For example, earlier this month, the board attempted to cancel the allotments of 16 units, which led to protests from residents. Such political opposition has made it increasingly difficult for the CHB to carry out eviction processes against defaulters effectively. The slow and cumbersome nature of legal procedures means that defaulters often find various ways to delay the process, restricting the board's capacity to manage its housing stock.
In light of these challenges, the CHB must rethink its approach to housing management and urban planning in Chandigarh. Increased cooperation with local authorities and a push for policy reforms may provide the board with better tools to address its current issues. Moreover, implementing stricter regulations and efficient follow-ups could curb unauthorised occupations and improve collection of dues.
As Chandigarh continues to grow, the need for effective housing solutions remains critical. It is essential for the CHB to regain its status as a reliable housing provider for the city's residents. Otherwise, the growing crisis in affordable housing will only deepen, affecting not just the allottees, but the broader community reliant on CHB services for safe and affordable places to live.
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