Thousands Left Disappointed: No Provision for Ownership Rights in Chandigarh’s Rehabilitation Colonies

Chandigarh, February 5:

Thousands of residents living in rehabilitation colonies in Chandigarh have been left disheartened after the central government made it clear that there would be no provision for granting ownership rights for the homes in these colonies. This announcement has come as a blow to the residents, as local leaders had been assuring them for years that they would receive ownership rights over the properties.

Member of Parliament Manish Tewari raised this issue in Parliament, asking if the central government had any plans to provide ownership rights to the allottees of homes built under Chandigarh’s rehabilitation schemes. In response, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai clarified that there is no provision for granting ownership rights in these schemes.

Tewari also inquired if the central government had any information regarding a survey conducted by the Chandigarh Estate Office about ownership rights for homes under the rehabilitation schemes. The government responded that these homes were primarily built for economically weaker sections and were allotted on a monthly license fee or leasehold basis.

He further asked if the government was considering lifting the ban on converting leasehold properties to freehold through General Power of Attorney (GPA). The minister, however, did not provide a concrete answer to this query. According to government data, the highest number of houses, 11,616, were constructed in 2010-11, while the lowest was in 1994-95, with only five houses built.

Why is this an Issue?

For years, residents of Chandigarh’s rehabilitation colonies have been demanding ownership rights. Under the current rules, they cannot sell or rent their properties, leading to various challenges. These homes were allocated 40-50 years ago, and many original allottees have since passed away. In several cases, the family members of the original allottees are no longer present. This has left some residents unable to sell their properties even in times of need, such as for medical expenses. While many of these houses have already been sold under GPA, the new buyers live in fear due to a recent survey by the Estate Office. The survey asked individuals living in these homes to clarify their relationship with the original allottees.

Promises of Ownership Rights by BJP

BJP leaders have long promised ownership rights to the residents. Former MP Kirron Kher even held a press conference on August 18, 2017, at the UT Guest House, where she showed a document claiming that the residents of the colonies had been granted ownership rights. This announcement was followed by celebrations and distribution of sweets. Six years later, former state BJP president Arun Sood also claimed that the residents had been granted ownership rights, and the party distributed sweets at its office. Several colonies even held thank-you events, where Arun Sood was honored.

Homes Built from 1980 to Present:

“It is truly unfortunate that the BJP government is deceiving the poor people and denying them ownership rights, despite promising this during the 2014, 2019, and 2024 general elections,” said Manish Tewari, MP.