IndustryLatest Stories

Rajasthan Housing Board Revenue Tops ₹1,000 Crore; 2026 Launches Planned

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB) has significantly increased its revenue in FY26, surpassing ₹1,000 crore, largely due to successful commercial auctions and enhanced asset monetization, as stated by commissioner Rashmi Sharma in an exclusive interview with Ankit Sharma. The autonomous body, primarily serving affordable and mid-income segments, is launching new residential schemes across Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Alwar, the NCR region near Bhiwadi, and selected emerging towns in Rajasthan. The board is also exploring innovative development models, including potential private partnerships, to expand its capacity while ensuring affordability. Below are edited excerpts from the conversation: What was 2025 like for the…

Latest StoriesRera

Rajasthan RERA: Banks can’t claim rights on allotted flats

JAIPUR: In a landmark ruling aimed at safeguarding homebuyers, the Rajasthan Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has determined that banks and financial institutions cannot assert claims over apartments booked to buyers prior to the establishment of a loan. The authority further stated that RERA proceedings may proceed against builders’ directors and landowners, even amidst insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). This decision was made by Rajasthan RERA chairperson Veenu Gupta on February 19 and was published on Saturday, relating to the Avalon Royal Park housing project located in Bhiwadi. The project, initiated in 2012 by M/s G…

IndustryLatest Stories

Rajasthan Considers Easing Building Rules to Attract Investment

JAIPUR: The state government is contemplating easing building height and setback regulations to foster a more adaptable and investor-friendly urban development framework, aiming to spur industrial growth and enhance affordable housing. The government is considering the principle of “Everything is allowed unless explicitly prohibited,” which would eliminate the need for formal conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural uses if the intended purpose aligns with the master plan. An official informed that Chief Secretary V. Srinivas has updated the cabinet secretariat regarding Rajasthan’s second phase of compliance reduction and deregulation, detailing a comprehensive reform roadmap designed to simplify business operations and…

IndustryLatest Stories

Critics: New Land Registry Rule Favors Big Builders in Rajasthan

Representative AI image JAIPUR: A new land registry rule introduced on Thursday by the urban development and housing (UDH) department has sparked significant backlash. Critics, including UDH officials and lawyers, claim that the regulation primarily favors large builders at the expense of smaller stakeholders and individual landowners. The controversial regulation requires that sale deeds cannot be registered without obtaining land conversion certificates, which change agricultural land into residential or industrial use. According to critics, for many small landowners—especially farmers—gaining these certificates from the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) or other government agencies is nearly impossible. A senior UDH official remarked, “This…

Latest StoriesResidential

Rajasthan Halts ‘Patta’ Registrations Amid Long-ignored Issues

JAIPUR: In a significant step to regulate real estate practices, the state government has halted the registration of properties associated with housing society “pattas.” This informal documentation has been the source of countless complaints, legal disputes, and negative audit findings over the years. Sub-registrars are now forbidden from registering plots issued by private housing or cooperative societies, a regulation that experts believe should have been enacted a decade ago. The prohibition aims to address the rise of unauthorized colonies, particularly in Jaipur’s outskirts like Ajmer Road and Kalwar Road, where societies have been selling plots without valid land-use conversions or…

IndustryLatest Stories

RIICO Invites Applications for Industrial Land Use Changes in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Following its board’s announcement in October regarding the change of land use in industrial areas, the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) has invited applications from industrial plot allottees seeking approval for alterations in the permitted activities on their plots. This initiative aims to make land use in industrial zones more practical, transparent, and in tune with contemporary industrial demands. Applicants will need to pay additional fees for the approval. Recently, RIICO launched an online portal allowing industrial plot holders interested in changing their activity to submit applications along with necessary documentation and a non-refundable fee of…

IndustryLatest Stories

Rajasthan: RIICO Launches 6,000 Direct Allotment Plots

Representative image JAIPUR: The Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) has launched the sixth phase of its direct allotment scheme for investors who have signed MoUs with the state government as part of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit. The application window will remain open until October 14 for MoU holders to apply for industrial plots. In this phase, RIICO is offering 6,000 industrial plots across 100 industrial areas, with special reservations for entrepreneurs from SC/ST, women, ex-servicemen, and persons with disabilities. During the previous phase in September, RIICO received 322 applications for 224 plots, with significant interest…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Rajasthan’s new rules limit business in residential areas

JAIPUR: The Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department has announced a ban on specific commercial activities in residential areas throughout the state, effective immediately. Activities such as warehousing, storage of all types of goods (flammable and non-flammable), wholesale markets, weighbridges, and oil or gas depots are now prohibited in residential zones. Previously, these businesses could operate with special permits. The new regulations are designed to eliminate these allowances, aiming for greater clarity in urban land use across Rajasthan. These changes impact various land use categories, including residential, commercial, industrial, public and semi-public, recreational areas, transport hubs, tourism zones, peripheral control…

IndustryLatest Stories

Rajasthan: RIICO Eases Land Norms, Risks Revenue Losses

Representative image created by AI JAIPUR: In a significant policy update, the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) has revised land use regulations for industrial zones, implementing major changes to the Disposal of Land Rules from 1979. The amendment, issued on Friday, enables the conversion of industrial plots into commercial, residential, institutional, and mixed-use categories, subject to new charges and procedures. The new framework facilitates the transition of one authorized land-use type to another, representing a notable change in the planning and utilization of industrial land. Under these updated guidelines, changing industrial plots to commercial use will incur…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Rajasthan to Consider Land Conversion Near Jawai Leopard Reserve

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government is considering the option of allowing land conversion within the one-kilometre Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) surrounding the Jawai Bandh leopard conservation area, which is unique in India for its population of cave-dwelling leopards. The Chief Minister’s Office has requested details from the Pali district collector about land ownership within the ESZ. According to a letter obtained by TOI, the request states: “Please provide urgent information on the Jawai National Park, specifically regarding how much land within 300-500 metres and 500 metres to 1 km of Jawai is government/forest land versus private land.” A senior official, speaking on…