CHANDIGARH: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will convene a high-level meeting with Chandigarh’s top bureaucrats on Monday to address various longstanding issues that have puzzled the administration for nearly two decades.
The meeting aims to tackle problems affecting thousands of residents, including those in urban areas, rehabilitation colonies, and Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) areas, as well as local businessmen and industrialists. The discussions will align with existing regulations and the Chandigarh Master Plan, 2031 (CMP-2031).
Following this meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will engage with UT officials on related topics, with the meeting expected to occur in New Delhi on December 12.
This initial gathering is anticipated to provide officials with important clarity before they meet with the Union Home Minister.
Officials from the Chandigarh administration attending the meeting include Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad, Home Secretary Mandip Brar, Finance Secretary Diprava Lakra, Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, and Chief Architect Rajiv Mehta. Senior officials from the Union Home Ministry will also participate, including Home Secretary Govind Mohan.
UT is preparing a presentation to address the following issues:
1. **Ownership rights for residents of rehabilitation colonies**
The UT administration has compiled a comprehensive history of this topic, detailing administrative and financial pros and cons, along with the potential outcome of policy decisions.
2. **Conversion of leasehold commercial and industrial properties to freehold**
Numerous representations from residents and various associations have been made regarding this core policy issue.
3. **Need-based adjustments in Chandigarh Housing Board houses**
Despite extensive discussions over the years, many need-based changes remain unresolved, placing the CHB authority at odds with residents making modifications.
4. **Issuance of notices to CHB residents**
The CHB authority has issued approximately 25,000 to 30,000 notices to residents, citing need-based changes as significant violations. Violations may result in property sealing or eviction.
5. **Ban on floor-wise registry in the city**
Following a Supreme Court ruling, the Chandigarh administration forbade floor-wise registration of residential properties in 2023. Residents accuse the UT administration of misinterpreting the order, while the administration insists it has been implemented correctly.
6. **Increasing Floor Area Ratio (FAR)**
Although it may not be feasible in the city’s initial phases, adjustments to FAR in later phases and certain industrial properties may be positively considered.
7. **Lengthening the terms for the mayor, senior deputy mayor, and deputy mayor**
Currently, their terms last just a year, which is deemed too short by nearly all political parties from both administrative and political standpoints.
