RANCHI: The state government’s ambitious initiative to regularize building structures has started off slowly, with approximately 4,000 applications submitted since its launch on May 14. The application period will conclude on July 13.
The scheme, introduced under the Jharkhand Unauthorised Constructed Building Regularisation Rules 2026, aims to benefit around 700,000 homeowners statewide who have constructed homes without approved building plans.
As of Thursday, Ranchi district has submitted the highest number of applications, totaling 1,704, with 1,272 from the Ranchi Municipal Corporation area and 432 from the Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA). Following this, Dhanbad reported 482 applications, while Bokaro recorded 464. Other districts experienced significantly lower numbers, with some nagar panchayats and urban local bodies receiving only a handful—if any—applications.
Association of Licensed Technical Professionals of Jharkhand president, Sujeet Bhagat, stated, “The significant confusion surrounding the rules has discouraged potential applicants. A major hurdle is the requirement for a minimum 25-foot road frontage, as stipulated in the Jharkhand Building Byelaws 2016, to qualify for regularization, which many colonies fail to meet.”
Echoing his sentiments, a concerned property owner remarked, “Why should I invest money on a professional to file an application that will likely be rejected due to the road width requirement? This only draws unnecessary attention to my property and wastes my resources.”
Furthermore, citizens are requesting the removal of the limit on total plot size to 300 sq mt, suggesting a cap on the built-up area instead.
As the deadline draws near, both residents and professionals are calling for an extension and clearer guidance on the rules.
Urban Development Secretary Sunil Kumar assured, “We will allow ample time for people to apply for regularization, and we will consider their other requests and provide the necessary clarifications.”
