Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh
About 100 unauthorised settlements in 33 urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state would be legalised under the Punjab Slum Dwellers (Proprietary Rights) Act that is likely to be tabled in the Budget session of the Vidhan Sabha, beginning February 20.
According to the draft of the proposed legislation prepared by the Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company, a non-profit making company constituted by the Local Government Department, the beneficiaries would get the right to own their houses.
The department has proposed allotting land to the beneficiaries, varying between 30 sq m and 60 sq m. The plot size will depend upon the category of the type of the ULB — a notified area council, a municipal council or a corporation.
A senior government functionary said the slum dweller would be entitled to land near the slum in the respective urban local body. For those belonging to the EWS category, the land would be allotted free of cost. For others, the ownership would come at “minimal price”.
Sources said the department was in the process of seeking clarification on the allotment of land, owned by virtue of transferred or purchased by civic bodies. The provision of proprietary rights under the new law was in contradiction to the Transfer of Property Act, 1882.
The department has data of only 33 of the 167 urban local bodies. Of the 109 slums identified, 63 were tenable. Mapping of the remaining slums needs to be done. Once the legislation is approved, the state will seek funds from the Centre for basic amenities as it was in line with the Property Rights to Slum Dwellers Act passed by the Ministry of Housing Model and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
