JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Real Estate Regulatory Authority (JKRERA) has proposed a single-window system to streamline approvals and registrations while establishing district-level enforcement cells to enhance monitoring and enforcement of violations throughout the Union Territory.
Implemented in Jammu and Kashmir in 2018, RERA began operations in January 2024 with the aim of regulating the real estate market, enhancing project transparency, protecting consumer rights, and creating a mechanism for swift dispute resolution.
A senior official stated, “To tackle various challenges, JKRERA proposed clearer authority definitions in rural areas, the creation of a Single Window System for integrated approvals and registrations, and the formation of district-level enforcement cells under Deputy Commissioners to bolster monitoring, reporting, and enforcement of RERA violations.”
These initiatives are aimed at ensuring a transparent, regulated, and planned development of the real estate sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Challenges faced by the Authority include confusion over layout approvals for rural colonies, delays from multiple departmental clearances, and a need for better inter-departmental coordination.
Chairperson of JKRERA, Satish Chandra, emphasized that the Authority governs all residential and commercial real estate projects in the Union Territory, including both plotted developments over 500 square meters and complexes with more than eight apartments, as outlined in Section 3 of the Act.
He highlighted that registering qualifying real estate projects and agents with JKRERA is mandatory, prohibiting promoters from advertising, marketing, or selling any project before obtaining registration.
This Act protects homebuyers’ rights and mandates developers to provide necessary infrastructure and amenities to prevent unplanned and substandard developments.
Authority officials also mentioned that any affected individuals, including allottees, promoters, and agents, can lodge complaints via Section 31 of the Act, accessible through both online and offline methods.
“JKRERA holds the power to conduct inquiries and recover penalties as arrears of land revenue for non-compliance,” they noted.
The Act stipulates severe penalties, including fines of up to 10% of the project cost and imprisonment for promoters who fail to register projects or comply with the orders of the Authority or the Appellate Tribunal.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo previously stressed the necessity of reinforcing enforcement mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and consumer protection in the real estate sector throughout the UT.
He encouraged divisional and district administrations to offer complete support for effective Act implementation in both urban and rural areas.
The Jammu and Kashmir housing and urban development department has also directed all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, and managing directors of public sector undertakings and corporations to register all new and ongoing real estate projects with RERA before commencing any work.
